versify

American  

[vur-suh-fahy] / ˈvɜr səˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

versified, versifying

1. to relate, describe, or treat (something) in verse.

2. to convert (prose or other writing) into metrical form.

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verb (used without object)

versified, versifying

1. to compose verses.

versify British  

/ ˈvɜːsɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to render (something) into metrical form or verse

2. (intr) to write in verse

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Other Word Forms

• unversified adjective
• versifier noun

Etymology

Origin of versify

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English versifien, from Old French versifier, from Latin versificāre; verse, -ify

Example Sentences

In fact, I noted that Yarlexis may have benefited from a lack of facility with English in this case—some of those other queens were trying to versify overstuffed lines that made this English major cringe!

From Slate • Nov. 13, 2012

If history's most absorbent author needed high legal drama, he had only to versify the royal squabbles in Holinshed's Chronicles.

From Time Magazine Archive

But in the evenings, France's Secretary for Foreign Affairs continued to versify.

From Time Magazine Archive

No philologist or linguist, I am yet an untiring walker and versifier: and really I think that few things are pleasanter than to walk and to versify.

From George Borrow and His Circle Wherein May Be Found Many Hitherto Unpublished Letters Of Borrow And His Friends by Shorter, Clement King

Then, as they get on, we versify, for the better impressing their memories, the sayings of wise men, the deeds of old time, or moral tales.

From Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 03 by Fowler, F. G. (Francis George)