monostich1
/ˈmɒnə(ʊ)stɪk/Prosody
noun
A poem or epigram consisting of a single metrical line; such a line as part of a dialogue of alternating single lines.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Timothy Kendall (fl. 1572–1577), translator and poet. From post-classical Latin monostichum, monostichon or its etymon Hellenistic Greek μονόστιχον, use as noun of neuter of μονόστιχος (adjective) consisting of one verse from ancient Greek μονο- + στίχος. Compare French monostiche, monostique.
monostich2
/ˈmɒnə(ʊ)stɪk/Prosody. Now rare
adjective
Consisting of a single line of verse, especially as part of a passage or collection of such lines.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Blount (1618–1679), antiquary and lexicographer. From Hellenistic Greek μονόστιχος. Compare French monostiche.