Verse , v. i. To make verses; to versify. [Obs.]
It is not rhyming
and versing that maketh
a poet.
Sir P. Sidney.
Verse , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Versed (?); p. pr. &
vb. n. Versing.]
To tell in verse, or poetry. [Obs.]
Playing on pipes of corn and
versing love.
Shak.
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.
&fist; 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.
&fist; 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.
&fist; 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.
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