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.