'Tetrameter' definitions:
Definition of 'tetrameter'
From: WordNet
noun
A verse line having four metrical feet
Definition of 'Tetrameter'
From: GCIDE
- Tetrameter \Te*tram"e*ter\, n. [L. tetrametrus, Gr. ?; te`tra- (see Tetra-) + ? a measure: cf. F. t['e]tram[`e]tre.] (GR. & Latin Pros.) A verse or line consisting of four measures, that is, in iambic, trochaic, and anapestic verse, of eight feet; in other kinds of verse, of four feet. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'tetrameter'
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]