Prose (?), n. [F. prose, L. prosa, fr. prorsus, prosus, straight forward, straight on, for proversus; pro forward + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See Verse.]
1.
The ordinary language of men in speaking or writing; language not cast in poetical measure or rhythm; -- contradistinguished from verse, or metrical composition.
I speak in prose, and let him rymes make.
Chaucer.
Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
Milton.
I wish our clever young poets would remember my homely definitions of prose and poetry, that is; prose -- words in their best order; poetry -- the best order.
Coleridge.
2.
Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.
3. R. C. Ch.
A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See Sequence.
© Webster 1913.
Prose, a.
1.
Pertaining to, or composed of, prose; not in verse; as, prose composition.
2.
Possessing or exhibiting unpoetical characteristics; plain; dull; prosaic; as, the prose duties of life.
© Webster 1913.
Prose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Prosing.]
1.
To write in prose.
2.
To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
© Webster 1913.
Prose, v. i.
1.
To write prose.
Prosing or versing, but chiefly this latter.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.