A Molossus is a metrical foot used in formal poetry. It consists of three long syllables. In English poetry, syllables are usually categorized as being either stressed or unstressed, rather than long or short.
For example, the first line of the following verse is a molossus:
"P O O K A - Pooka - from old Celtic mythology - a fairy spirit in animal form - always very large. The pooka appears here and there - now and then - to this one and that one - a benign but mischievous creature - very fond of rumpots, crackpots, and how are you, Mr. Wilson?"
Comments by bluemartian
bluemartian commented on the word cordwainer
This word is used in the pseudonym of Cordwainer Smith, the wonderful science fiction author.
September 8, 2010
bluemartian commented on the word molossus
A Molossus is a metrical foot used in formal poetry. It consists of three long syllables. In English poetry, syllables are usually categorized as being either stressed or unstressed, rather than long or short.
For example, the first line of the following verse is a molossus:
Break, break, break,
On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!
And I would that my tongue could utter
The thoughts that arise in me.
Alfred Lord Tennyson
from Wikipedia
September 24, 2007
bluemartian commented on the word pooka
"P O O K A - Pooka - from old Celtic mythology - a fairy spirit in animal form - always very large. The pooka appears here and there - now and then - to this one and that one - a benign but mischievous creature - very fond of rumpots, crackpots, and how are you, Mr. Wilson?"
September 23, 2007
bluemartian commented on the word finnimbrun
A trinket or knick-knack.
September 23, 2007
bluemartian commented on the word farscape
"I usually try to save a life a day. Usually, it's my own." --John Crichton, Farscape
September 22, 2007
bluemartian commented on the word serein
A mist, or very fine rain, which sometimes falls from a clear sky a few moments after sunset.
September 16, 2007
bluemartian commented on the word bibbledy
"Shepherd Book said they was men just reached the edge of space, saw a vasty nothingness, and went bibbledy over it." —Kaylee Frye, "Serenity"
September 16, 2007