'Blank verse' definitions:

Definition of 'blank verse'

From: WordNet
noun
Unrhymed verse (usually in iambic pentameter)

Definition of 'Blank verse'

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]

Definition of 'Blank verse'

From: GCIDE
  • Blank \Blank\, a. [OE. blank, blonc, blaunc, blaunche, fr. F. blanc, fem. blanche, fr. OHG. blanch shining, bright, white, G. blank; akin to E. blink, cf. also AS. blanc white. ?98. See Blink, and cf. 1st Blanch.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. Of a white or pale color; without color. [1913 Webster]
  • To the blank moon Her office they prescribed. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Free from writing, printing, or marks; having an empty space to be filled in with some special writing; -- said of checks, official documents, etc.; as, blank paper; a blank check; a blank ballot. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Utterly confounded or discomfited. [1913 Webster]
  • Adam . . . astonied stood, and blank. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Empty; void; without result; fruitless; as, a blank space; a blank day. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Lacking characteristics which give variety; as, a blank desert; a blank wall; destitute of interests, affections, hopes, etc.; as, to live a blank existence; destitute of sensations; as, blank unconsciousness. [1913 Webster]
  • 6. Lacking animation and intelligence, or their associated characteristics, as expression of face, look, etc.; expressionless; vacant. "Blank and horror-stricken faces." --C. Kingsley. [1913 Webster]
  • The blank . . . glance of a half returned consciousness. --G. Eliot. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. Absolute; downright; unmixed; as, blank terror. [1913 Webster]
  • Blank bar (Law), a plea put in to oblige the plaintiff in an action of trespass to assign the certain place where the trespass was committed; -- called also common bar.
  • Blank cartridge, a cartridge containing no ball.
  • Blank deed. See Deed.
  • Blank door, or Blank window (Arch.), a depression in a wall of the size of a door or window, either for symmetrical effect, or for the more convenient insertion of a door or window at a future time, should it be needed.
  • Blank indorsement (Law), an indorsement which omits the name of the person in whose favor it is made; it is usually made by simply writing the name of the indorser on the back of the bill.
  • Blank line (Print.), a vacant space of the breadth of a line, on a printed page; a line of quadrats.
  • Blank tire (Mech.), a tire without a flange.
  • Blank tooling. See Blind tooling, under Blind.
  • Blank verse. See under Verse.
  • Blank wall, a wall in which there is no opening; a dead wall. [1913 Webster]