verses


verses

stanzas; poems or pieces of poetry: She recited verses from her latest poem.
Not to be confused with:versus – against; as compared to; in contrast with: a partial compromise versus total defeat

verse 1

V0069500 (vûrs)n.1. a. A single metrical line in a poetic composition; one line of poetry.b. A division of a metrical composition, such as a stanza of a poem or hymn.c. A poem.2. Metrical or rhymed composition as distinct from prose; poetry.3. a. The art or work of a poet.b. A group of poems: read a book of satirical verse.4. Metrical writing that lacks depth or artistic merit.5. A particular type of metrical composition, such as blank verse or free verse.6. One of the numbered subdivisions of a chapter in the Bible.tr. & intr.v. versed, vers·ing, vers·es To versify or engage in versifying.
[Middle English vers, from Old English fers and from Old French vers, both from Latin versus, from past participle of vertere, to turn; see wer- in Indo-European roots.]

verse 2

V0069500 (vûrs)tr.v. versed, vers·ing, vers·es To familiarize by study or experience: He versed himself in philosophy.
[Latin versāre; see versatile.]

verse 3

V0069500 (vûrs)tr.v. versed, vers·ing, vers·es Slang To play against (an opponent) in a competition.
[Probably back-formation from versus taken as verses in such phrases as Boston versus New York.]