Applied to a line, it means that each successive word is a syllable longer that its predecessor. Applied to a stanza, each successive line is longer by either a syllable or a metrical foot. Rhopalic verse is also called wedge verse. In the specific sense, a type of echoing which utilizes a correspondence of sound in the final accented vowels and all that follows of two or more words, but the preceding consonant sounds must differ, as in the words, bear and care . Usually, but not always, rhymes occur at the ends of lines.
Many purists continue to use rime as the proper spelling of the word.
Also, rhymes often serve to heighten the significance of the words. Terms like near rhyme , half rhyme , and perfect rhyme function to distinguish between the types of rhyme without prejudicial intent and should not be interpreted as expressions of value. Rhyme schemes are also significant factors in the definitions of whole poems, such as ballade , limerick , rondeau , sonnet , triolet and villanelle . It probably received its name from its use by King James I of Scotland , who was both king and a poet. It was previously known as Troilus verse because Chaucer used it in his Troilus and Criseyde .