poulter's measure

[pohl-terz]

noun

Prosody.

1. a metrical pattern using couplets having the first line in iambic hexameter, or 12 syllables, and the second in iambic heptameter, or 14 syllables.

Word History and Origins

Origin of poulter's measure¹

1570–80; so called because poulters ( poulterer ) used to give extra eggs when counting by the dozen

Example Sentences

Guest, on Poulter's Measure, 265; on significance of sounds, 136.

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Poulter's Measure, 255, 265 f.

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Poulter's Measure, an old-fashioned couplet, composed of an alexandrine and a septenary, a6a7, 88 f.

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