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.
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I speak in prose, and let him rymes make. Chaucer.
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Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. Milton.
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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.
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2. Hence, language which evinces little imagination or animation; dull and commonplace discourse.
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3. (R. C. Ch.) A hymn with no regular meter, sometimes introduced into the Mass. See Sequence.
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Prose, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Prosed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Prosing.] 1. To write in prose.
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2. To write or repeat in a dull, tedious, or prosy way.
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