verse Meaning, Definition & Usage

Verse noun

Etymology

OE. vers, AS. fers, L. versus a line in writing, and, in poetry, a verse, from vertere, versum, to turn, to turn round; akin to E. worth to become: cf. F. vers. See Worth to become, and cf. Advertise, Averse, Controversy, Convert, Divers, Invert, Obverse, Prose, Suzerain, Vortex.

Definitions

1. A line consisting of a certain number of metrical feet (see Foot, n., 9) disposed according to metrical rules. ✍ Verses are of various kinds, as hexameter, pentameter, tetrameter, etc., according to the number of feet in each. A verse of twelve syllables is called an Alexandrine. Two or more verses form a stanza or strophe.
2. Metrical arrangement and language; that which is composed in metrical form; versification; poetry.

   Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips in prose or numerous verse. Milton.

   Virtue was taught in verse. Prior.

   Verse embalms virtue. Donne.

3. A short division of any composition. Specifically: -- (a) A stanza; a stave; as, a hymn of four verses. ✍ Although this use of verse is common, it is objectionable, because not always distinguishable from the stricter use in the sense of a line. (b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters in the Old and New Testaments. ✍ The author of the division of the Old Testament into verses is not ascertained. The New Testament was divided into verses by Robert Stephens [or Estienne], a French printer. This arrangement appeared for the first time in an edition printed at Geneva, in 1551. (c) (Mus.) A portion of an anthem to be performed by a single voice to each part.
4. A piece of poetry. "This verse be thine." Pope.

Verse transitive verb

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Versed ; present participle & verbal noun Versing

Definitions

1. To tell in verse, or poetry. Obs.

   Playing on pipes of corn and versing love. Shak.

Verse intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To make verses; to versify. Obs.

   It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. Sir P. Sidney.