enjambment

noun en·jamb·ment \in-ˈjam-mənt\

Definition of ENJAMBMENT

: the running over of a sentence from one verse or couplet into another so that closely related words fall in different lines — compare run-on

en·jamb·ment also en·jambe·ment \same or äⁿ-zhäⁿb-ˈmäⁿ\

French enjambement, from Middle French, encroachment, from enjamber to straddle, encroach on, from en- + jambe leg — more at jamb

First Known Use: circa 1839

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