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

The syllables are as in the common metre, but it has thrice the rhymes.

From Thomas Davis, Selections from his Prose and Poetry by Rolleston, T. W. (Thomas William)

Another very common metre in the Dramas consists of stanzas of eight lines of seven syllables, rhyming alternately. 

From A Handbook of the Cornish Language chiefly in its latest stages with some account of its history and literature by Jenner, Henry

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

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

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

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

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