Rhythm

(rit hm.) [Same der iv.] (Pros., consonance of measure and time, in poetry, prose, music,and even in dancing. Each verse or period is to be considered as awhole; within which, with certain limited variations, the R. is perfect. The parts which are to receive the stre are termed arsis (elevation), and the rest constitute the thesis (depre ion). The former, particularly in words the pronunciation of which may not be known, is often marked by an '. A long syllable should have double the time of a short one. The poetical R. demands a succe ion of motions of regular duration, which, variously interrupted, must yet be obvious, and combined so as to form an harmonious whole. [s. 769]