\Verse\, 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.
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.
2. Metrical arrangement and language; that which is composed
   in metrical form; versification; poetry.
         Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips in
         prose or numerous verse.              --Milton.
         Virtue was taught in verse.           --Prior.
         Verse embalms virtue.                 --Donne.
3. A short division of any composition. Specifically:
   (a) A stanza; a stave; as, a hymn of four verses.
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.
   (b) (Script.) One of the short divisions of the chapters
       in the Old and New Testaments.
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.
   (c) (Mus.) A portion of an anthem to be performed by a
       single voice to each part.
4. A piece of poetry. ``This verse be thine.'' --Pope.
{Blank verse}, poetry in which the lines do not end in
   rhymes.
{Heroic verse}. See under {Heroic}.

\Verse\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Versed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Versing}.]
To tell in verse, or poetry. [Obs.]
      Playing on pipes of corn and versing love. --Shak.

\Verse\, v. i.
To make verses; to versify. [Obs.]
      It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. --Sir
                                               P. Sidney.