Blank verse

blank verse
    n 1: unrhymed verse (usually in iambic pentameter)
    

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

   {Heroic verse}. See under {Heroic}.
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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}.]
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   1. Of a white or pale color; without color.
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            To the blank moon
            Her office they prescribed.           --Milton.
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   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.
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   3. Utterly confounded or discomfited.
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            Adam . . . astonied stood, and blank. --Milton.
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   4. Empty; void; without result; fruitless; as, a blank space;
      a blank day.
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   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.
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   6. Lacking animation and intelligence, or their associated
      characteristics, as expression of face, look, etc.;
      expressionless; vacant. "Blank and horror-stricken faces."
      --C. Kingsley.
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            The blank . . . glance of a half returned
            consciousness.                        --G. Eliot.
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   7. Absolute; downright; unmixed; as, blank terror.
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   {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.
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