GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   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.]
   The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in poetical measure or rhythm; -- contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition.
   1913 Webster
   I speak in prose, and let him rymes make.
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   
   1913 Webster
   Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.
   1913 Webster
   (R. C. Ch.) A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See Sequence.
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Prose, a.
   Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not in verse; as, prose composition.
   1913 Webster
   Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical characteristics; plain; dull; prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.
   1913 Webster
         
       

3.       
   Prose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Prosing.]
   To write in prose.
   1913 Webster
   To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
   1913 Webster
         
       

4.       
   Prose, v. i.
   To write prose.
   1913 Webster
   Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster