blank verse

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]

1.Of a white or pale color; without color. [1913 Webster]

To the blank moon Her office they prescribed.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

3.Utterly confounded or discomfited. [1913 Webster]

Adam . . . astonied stood, and blank.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

4.Empty; void; without result; fruitless; as, a blank space; a blank day. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

6.Lacking animation and intelligence, or their associated characteristics, as expression of face, look, etc.; expressionless; vacant. "Blank and horror-stricken faces." --C. Kingsley. [1913 Webster]

The blank . . . glance of a half returned consciousness.— G. Eliot.[1913 Webster]

7.Absolute; downright; unmixed; as, blank terror. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]