Verse \Verse\ (v[~e]rs), 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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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.
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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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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.
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(b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters
in the Old and New Testaments.
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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.
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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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