SONNET


Meaning of SONNET in English

— sonnetlike , adj.

/son"it/ , n.

1. Pros. a poem, properly expressive of a single, complete thought, idea, or sentiment, of 14 lines, usually in iambic pentameter, with rhymes arranged according to one of certain definite schemes, being in the strict or Italian form divided into a major group of 8 lines (the octave) followed by a minor group of 6 lines (the sestet), and in a common English form into 3 quatrains followed by a couplet.

v.i.

2. Archaic. to compose sonnets.

v.t.

3. Older Use. to celebrate in a sonnet or sonnets.

[ 1550-60; sonnetto sonet, equiv. to son poem ( sonus SOUND 1 ) + -et -ET ]

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .