clerihew

[ kler-uh-hyoo ]

noun

, Prosody.

1. a light verse form, usually consisting of two couplets, with lines of uneven length and irregular meter, the first line usually containing the name of a well-known person.

clerihew

/ ˈklɛrɪˌhjuː /

noun

1. a form of comic or satiric verse, consisting of two couplets of metrically irregular lines, containing the name of a well-known person

Word History and Origins

Origin of clerihew¹

1925–30; named after E. Clerihew Bentley (1875–1956), English writer, its inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of clerihew¹

C20: named after Edmund Clerihew Bentley , who invented it

Example Sentences

"I shall be happy for one," said Mrs. Clerihew, laying stress on the aspirate.

From Project Gutenberg

"Two gills to the coffin-room, Mrs. Clerihew," he cried to the woman in the kitchen.

From Project Gutenberg

"Convictions are well enough when you can afford 'em," Brother Clerihew grunted again.

From Project Gutenberg

The three kept sentry, knowing that Clerihew must sooner or later return with his convoy, there being no other exit.

From Project Gutenberg

The quarrel had started in the forenoon over a dirty trick played by Brother Clerihew, the ex-butler.

From Project Gutenberg