Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROSE, n. [s as z. L. It. and Sp. prosa; Fr. prose. Qu. orient. פרס, פרץ or פרש.]

1. The natural language of man; language loose and unconfined to poetical measure, as opposed to verse or metrical composition. Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. – Milton.
2. A prayer used in the Romish church on particular days. – Harmar.