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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.


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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
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Example Sentences

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

Poulter's Measure, 255, 265 f.

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

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