epitrite Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ep"i*trite noun
Etymology
Gr. containing an integer and one third (i. e., , or in the ratio of 4 to 3); upon, over + the third: cf. L. epitritos, F. épitrite.
Definitions
  1. (Gr. & Lat. Pros.) A foot consisting of three long syllables and one short syllable. ✍ It is so called from being compounded of a spondee (which contains 4 times) with an iambus or a trochee (which contains 3 times). It is called 1st, 2d, 3d, or 4th epitrite according as the short syllable stands 1st, 2d, etc.

Webster 1913