Prose , v. i. 1. To
write prose.
Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter.
Milton.
Prose , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosed (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Prosing.]
1. To write in prose.
2. To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
Prose , a.
1. Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not
in verse; as, prose composition.
2.
Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical
characteristics; plain; dull;
prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.
Prose (?), n. [F. prose, L. prosa, fr. prorsus, prosus, straight forward, straight on, for proversus; pro forward + versus, p. p. of
vertere to turn. See Verse.]
1. The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in
poetical measure or rhythm; -- contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition.
I speak in prose, and let him rymes make.
Chaucer.
Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
Milton. I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is; prose -- words in their best order; poetry -- the best order.
Coleridge.
2. Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.
3. (R. C. Ch.) A
hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced
into the Mass. See Sequence.
Hear it pronounced