poesy

[ poh-uh-see, -zee ]

noun

, plural po·e·sies.

1. the work or the art of poetic composition.
2. Archaic.
   1. poetry in general.
   2. verse or poetry in metrical form.
3. Obsolete.
   1. a poem or verse used as a motto. Compare posy ( def 2 ).
   2. a poem.

poesy

/ ˈpəʊɪzɪ /

noun

1. See poetry
   an archaic word for poetry
2. poetic.
   the art of writing poetry
3. archaic.
   a poem or verse, esp one used as a motto

Word History and Origins

Origin of poesy¹

1300–50; Middle English poesie < Middle French < Latin poēsis < Greek poíēsis poetic art, poetry, literally, a making, equivalent to poiē-, variant stem of poieîn to make + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of poesy¹

C14: via Old French from Latin poēsis, from Greek, from poiēsis poetic art, creativity, from poiein to make

Example Sentences

Gwynne smiled as he recalled the heroines of poesy that had fed so many doves and garden birds.

From Project Gutenberg

This one I am really and truly smoking and the smoke it exhales is a cloud of poesy spreading grace and charm about it.

From Project Gutenberg

They are a very complete expression of his poetic ideas, and contain among their number gems of purest poesy.

From Project Gutenberg

With what poesy did his music fill this sanctuary, even in the midst of his most grievous troubles!

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, Valdemosa, which at first was enchanting to them, lost afterwards much of its poesy in their eyes.

From Project Gutenberg