GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions 

  1.       

    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.
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      ☞ 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.
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    2. Metrical arrangement and language; that which is composed in metrical form; versification; poetry.
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      Such prompt eloquence
      Flowed from their lips in prose or numerous verse.
      Milton.

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      Virtue was taught in verse.
      Prior.

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      Verse embalms virtue.
      Donne.

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    3. A short division of any composition. Specifically: --
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      (a) A stanza; a stave; as, a hymn of four verses.
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      ☞ Although this use of verse is common, it is objectionable, because not always distinguishable from the stricter use in the sense of a line.
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      (b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters in the Old and New Testaments.
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      ☞ 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.
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      (c) (Mus.) A portion of an anthem to be performed by a single voice to each part.
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    4. A piece of poetry. “This verse be thine.” 
      Pope.

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      Blank verse, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes. -- Heroic verse. See under Heroic.
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  2.       

    Verse, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Versed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Versing.] To tell in verse, or poetry. [Obs.]
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    Playing on pipes of corn and versing love.
    Shak.

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  3.       

    Verse, v. i. To make verses; to versify. [Obs.]
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    It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet.
    Sir P. Sidney.

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