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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Metrical arrangement and language; that which is composed in metrical form; versification; poetry. [ 1913 Webster ]

Such prompt eloquence
Flowed from their lips in prose or numerous verse. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Virtue was taught in verse. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

Verse embalms virtue. Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A short division of any composition. Specifically: -- [ 1913 Webster ]

(a) A stanza; a stave; as, a hymn of four verses. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Although this use of verse is common, it is objectionable, because not always distinguishable from the stricter use in the sense of a line. [ 1913 Webster ]

(b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters in the Old and New Testaments. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

(c) (Mus.) A portion of an anthem to be performed by a single voice to each part. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A piece of poetry. “This verse be thine.” Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

Blank verse, poetry in which the lines do not end in rhymes. --
Heroic verse. See under Heroic. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To make verses; to versify. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Versed p. pr. & vb. n. Versing. ] To tell in verse, or poetry. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Playing on pipes of corn and versing love. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. versus turned, p. p. vertere. See 1st Versed. ] (Math.) Turned. [ 1913 Webster ]

Versed sine. See under Sine, and Illust. of Functions. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. versé, L. versatus, p. p. of versari to turn about frequently, to turn over, to be engaged in a thing, passive of versare. See Versant, a. ] Acquainted or familiar, as the result of experience, study, practice, etc.; skilled; practiced; knowledgeable; expert. [ 1913 Webster ]

Deep versed in books and shallow in himself. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Opinions . . . derived from studying the Scriptures, wherein he was versed beyond any person of his age. Southey. [ 1913 Webster ]

These men were versed in the details of business. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Same as Versemonger. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A writer of verses; especially, a writer of commonplace poetry; a poetaster; a rhymer; -- used humorously or in contempt. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A versifier. B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ] A verse. [ Obs. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]