Hemistichal

/ˌhɛmɪˈstɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or composed of hemistichs, half-lines of verse with particular metrical or structural properties.

Etymology

From 'hemistich' plus the adjective suffix '-al'. A literary term describing the property or nature of half-verse structures.

Kelly Says

Medieval poets deliberately split their lines in half for dramatic effect—hemistichal composition became an art form where the pause itself became part of the meaning, like modern enjambment but with hard stops!

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