penthemimer Anc. Pros.
(pɛnθɪˈmɪmə(r))
[ad. Gr. πενθηµιµερής consisting of five halves, f. πέντε five + ἡµιµερής halved (ἡµι- half µέρος part).]
A group or catalectic colon of five half-feet; esp. as constituting each half of a pentameter, or the first part of a hexameter when the cæsura occurs in the middle of the third foot. (Cf. hepthemimer.) Hence pentheˈmimeral a., applied to a cæsura occurring in the middle of the third foot.
| 1586 Webbe Eng. Poetrie (Arb.) 80 The shortnesse of the seconde Penthimimer will hardly be framed to fall together in good sence. 1795 Parr in E. H. Barker Parriana (1829) II. 623 Content to consider the shorter verse as composed of two penthemimers. 1869 Blackmore Lorna D. ii, I had replied to Robin now, with all the weight and cadence of penthemimeral cæsura. 1871 Public Sch. Lat. Gram. 467 The Pentameter..consists of two Dactylic Penthemimers, which must be kept quite distinct. 1888 Athenæum 24 Nov. 704/3 The treatment of the weak and the strong penthemimeral cæsura of the dactylic hexameter. |