poulter's measure

noun

poul·ter's measure ˈpōl-tərz-

: a meter in which lines of 12 and 14 syllables alternate

Word History

Etymology

obsolete poulter poulterer, from Middle English pulter; from the former practice of occasionally giving one or two extra when counting eggs by dozens

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of poulter's measure was in 1575

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Poulter's measure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poulter%27s%20measure. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation