Spenserian

[ spen-seer-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or characteristic of Spenser or his work.

noun

1. an imitator of Spenser.
2. Spenserian stanza.
3. verse in Spenserian stanzas.

Spenserian

/ spɛnˈsɪərɪən /

adjective

1. relating to, in the style of, or characteristic of Edmund Spenser, the English poet (?1552–99), or his poetry

noun

1. a student or imitator of Edmund Spenser

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spenserian¹

First recorded in 1810–20; Spenser + -ian

Example Sentences

In smooth and vigorous Spenserian stanzas, he protests against the neglect of the martyr-patriot's grave.

From Project Gutenberg

This is still far below the Spenserian stanza, and the colour is inferior to that of Giles.

From Project Gutenberg

Childe Harold and other important poems are composed in the Spenserian stanza.

From Project Gutenberg

This last is a beautiful translation in the Spenserian stanza, of which a second edition appeared in 1868, in two octavo volumes.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Lowell occasionally makes use of somewhat quaint, Spenserian expressions, but generally with peculiar effect.

From Project Gutenberg