anacrusis

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“
By itself the fourth line would be called iambic: in this context it is called trochaic with 'anacrusis,' i. e., with one or more extra-metrical syllables at the beginning.

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Definitions (4)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (2)

  1. noun One or more unstressed syllables at the beginning of a line of verse, before the reckoning of the normal meter begins.
  2. noun Music See upbeat.

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Examples (10)

  • By itself the fourth line would be called iambic: in this context it is called trochaic with 'anacrusis,' i. e., with one or more extra-metrical syllables at the beginning. —  The Principles of English Versification
  • For example The mountain sheep are sweeter But the valley sheep are fatter We therefore deemed it meeter To carry off the latter PEACOCK, War-song of Dinas Vawr, from The Misfortunes of Elphin This may be trochaic with anacrusis or iambic with feminine endings, but neither quite adequately describes it. —  The Principles of English Versification
  • The four stresses of the Anglo-Saxon verse are retained, and as much thesis and anacrusis is allowed as is consistent with a regular cadence. —  Beowulf An Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
  • 'Possible, of course; but treat them as Ionics a minore with an anacrusis, and see if they don't go better He involved himself in terms of pedantry, and with such delight that his eyes gleamed. —  New Grub Street
  • Similar combinations, still freer, with frequent anacrusis as well, are characteristic of Swinburne's Hesperia; e. g. —  The Principles of English Versification
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. New Latin anacrūsis, from Greek anakrousis, beginning of a tune, from anakrouein, to strike up a song : ana-, ana- + krouein, to push.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. New Latin, from Greek ἀνάκρουσις, from ἀνακρούειν, strike back, push back, check (in music, strike up, begin), from ἀά + κρούειν, strike.
 

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/ænəˈkrusɪs/
by American Heritage

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