distich

American  

[dis-tik] / ˈdɪs tɪk /

noun

Prosody.

1. a unit of two lines of verse, usually a self-contained statement; couplet.

2. a rhyming couplet.

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distich British  

/ ˈdɪstɪk /

noun

1. prosody a unit of two verse lines, usually a couplet

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Other Word Forms

• distichal adjective
• subdistich noun

Etymology

Origin of distich

1545–55; < Latin distichon, noun use of neuter of Greek dístichos having two lines, equivalent to di- di- ¹ + stíchos row

Example Sentences

The well-known distich on Shakspeare is rather good—it utters with a vigorous turn the general sentiment, the nation's wonder of its own idol.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 58, No. 359, September 1845 by Various

When both itch, the above distich expresses the popular belief.

From Popular Rhymes and Nursery Tales A Sequel to the Nursery Rhymes of England by Halliwell-Phillipps, J. O. (James Orchard)

The distich "Nostra damus," &c. was the playful composition, according to La Monnoye, of the celebrated Genevan reformer Th�odore de B�ze.

From Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 101, October 4, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Various

He is again mentioned by Meres for his distich on king James's Furies & Lepanto. fol.

From A History of English Poetry: an Unpublished Continuation by Warton, Thomas

I recall from one of these a distich of some merit.

From Reminiscences, 1819-1899 by Howe, Julia Ward

Related Words

• verse