Definitions

1. noun

A half-line of verse, especially in classical Greek poetry and other forms of poetry that use the dactylic hexameter.

“In ancient Greek poetry, a hemistich was often used to create a sense of suspense or anticipation by leaving the second half of the line incomplete.”

2. noun

In linguistics, a hemistich is a line of verse that is divided into two half-lines by a caesura or a pause.

“The linguist studied the use of hemistichs in various forms of poetry and their effect on the overall rhythm and flow of the verse.”