Verse n.
 1. A line consisting of a certain number of metrical feet (see Foot, n., 9) disposed according to metrical rules.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 (b) Script. One of the short divisions of the chapters in the Old and New Testaments.
 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.
 (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.”
 Blank verse, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes.
 Heroic verse. See under Heroic.


 He·ro·ic a.
 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.
 2. Worthy of a hero; bold; daring; brave; illustrious; as, heroic action; heroic enterprises.
 3. Sculpture & Painting Larger than life size, but smaller than colossal; -- said of the representation of a human figure.
 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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 heroic verse
      n : a verse form suited to the treatment of heroic or elevated
          themes; dactylic hexameter or iambic pentameter [syn: {heroic
          meter, heroic]