Meaning

Using or relating to a metrical pattern of poetry where each foot is composed of three syllables, the first and third of which are stressed and the second is unstressed. This pattern is very rare in English poetry..

Definitions by Sense

1. Using or relating to a metrical pattern of poetry where each foot is composed of three syllables, the first and third of which are stressed and the second is unstressed. This pattern is very rare in English poetry.
2. A verse of this kind.

Example Sentences

The foote of a verſe, is a meaſure of two ſillables, or of three, diſtinguiſhed by time which is eyther long or ſhort. […] A ſoote^([sic]) of 3. ſillables in like ſorte is either ſimple or myxt. […] The mixt is of 6. diuers ſortes, […] 5. Creticus of a long, a ſhort, and a long, ﹘⏑﹘ daungerous.

And if it be true as Pindarus ſaith, Terpander was the inventour of thoſe ſongs called Scolia, which were ſung at feaſts. Archilochus alſo adjoined thoſe rhymes or Iambicke meaſures called Trimetra: the tranſlation alſo and change into other number and meaſures of a different kinde, yea, and the maner how to touch and ſtrike them. Moreover, unto him, as firſt inventour, are attributed the Epodes, Tetrameter, Iambicks, Procritique and Proſodiacks; as alſo, the augmentation of the firſt, yea, and as ſome thinke, the Elegie it ſelfe: over and beſides, the intenſion of Iambus unto Pæan Epibatos, & of the Herous augmented both unto the Proſodiaque & alſo the Creticke.

Word Forms

• cretick
• creticke
• cretics

Synonyms for cretic

Related Words

When Should You Use Cretic?

Use cretic when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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