common metre

British  

noun

1. a stanza form, used esp for hymns, consisting of four lines, two of eight syllables alternating with two of six

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Example Sentences

This is the common metre for narrative, didactic, and descriptive poetry.

From A Handbook of the English Language by Latham, R. G. (Robert Gordon)

The "common metre" of English hymnology is thus seen to be a rough mould into which almost any kind of religious emotion may be poured.

From A Study of Poetry by Perry, Bliss

Ballads are more frequently written in common metre lines of eight and six syllables alternating.

From The Bay State Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2 by Various

It is all written in "common metre," nearly all in lines of eight and six syllables alternately.

From Sabbath in Puritan New England by Earle, Alice Morse

C.M., chirurgi� magister, master in surgery; common metre.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 1 A to Amide by Various