Verse, n.
Etymology: [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.
3 more senses
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.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for verse; he lists it under meter, poetry.
Where he writes about it:
A verse is strictly a metrical line, but the word is often used as synonymous with stanza. — from meter
Verse, in the general sense, denotes metrical writing without reference to the thought involved; as, prose and verse. — from meter
Failing this, there may be verse, rime, and meter, but not poetry. — from poetry