'Alexandrine' definitions:

Definition of 'Alexandrine'

From: WordNet
noun
(prosody) a line of verse that has six iambic feet

Definition of 'Alexandrine'

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