poulter's measure
English
Etymology
Coined by George Gascoigne in 1576, because it was said that poulters gave 12 eggs for the first dozen and 14 if you bought a second dozen.
Noun
poulter's measure (plural poulter's measures)
- (poetry) A metre with alternate lines of 12 and 14 syllables.
- 1547, Earl Surrey: Complaint on the absence of her lover being at sea.
- Good ladies, ye that have your pleasure in exile
- Step in your foot, come take a place and mourn with me awhile.
- And such as by their lords do set but little price,
- Let them sit still, it skills them not what chance come on the dice.
- 1547, Earl Surrey: Complaint on the absence of her lover being at sea.
References
- Consise Oxford: 7th Ed.
- Brewers Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 17th Ed
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