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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Heroic \He*ro"ic\, a. [F. h['e]ro["i]que, L. hero["i]cus, Gr.
"hrwi:ko`s.]
1. Of or pertaining to, or like, a hero; of the nature of
heroes; distinguished by the existence of heroes; as, the
heroic age; an heroic people; heroic valor.
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2. Worthy of a hero; bold; daring; brave; illustrious; as,
heroic action; heroic enterprises.
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3. (Sculpture & Painting) Larger than life size, but smaller
than colossal; -- said of the representation of a human
figure.
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Heroic Age, the age when the heroes, or those called the
children of the gods, are supposed to have lived.
Heroic poetry, that which celebrates the deeds of a hero;
epic poetry.
Heroic treatment or Heroic remedies (Med.), treatment or
remedies of a severe character, suited to a desperate
case.
Heroic verse (Pros.), the verse of heroic or epic poetry,
being in English, German, and Italian the iambic of ten
syllables; in French the iambic of twelve syllables; and
in classic poetry the hexameter.
Syn: Brave; intrepid; courageous; daring; valiant; bold;
gallant; fearless; enterprising; noble; magnanimous;
illustrious.
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