Verse \Verse\, n. [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.]
1. A line consisting of a certain number of metrical feet
(see Foot, n., 9) disposed according to metrical rules.
Note: 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.
Note: 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.
Note: 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.
Blank verse, poetry in which the lines do not end in
rhymes.
Heroic verse. See under Heroic.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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