Prose
Prose , noun
[French prose, Latin prosa, from prorsus, prosus, straight forward, straight on, for proversus; pro forward + versus, past participle of vertere to turn. See Verse.]
1.
The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in poetical measure or rhythm; -- contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition.
I speak in prose, and let him rymes make.
Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is; prose -- words in their best order; poetry -- the best order.
2.
Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.
3.
(Roman Catholic Church) A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See Sequence.
Prose , adjective
1.
Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not in verse; as, prose composition.
2.
Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical characteristics; plain; dull; prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.
Prose , transitive verb
1.
To write in prose.
2.
To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
Prose , intransitive verb
1.
To write prose.
Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter.