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
Dictionary Entries Near poulter's measure
Cite this Entry
“Poulter's measure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poulter%27s%20measure. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about poulter's measure
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