| enjambment |
| Definition:
The continuing of a unit of information beyond a single line. Note: Its opposite — where the unit of information fits on a single line — is called end-stopping. |
| Example:
(1) Enjambed (i.e., the information is spread across multiple lines): Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow Creeps in this petty pace from day to day. (2) Not enjambed (i.e., one sentence equals one line) A glooming peace this morning with it brings. The sun for sorrow will not show his head. |
| Etymology: The word derives from the French enjambement, straddling or bestriding |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The term's first citation is from 1837–9: "Du Bartas almost affects the enjambement or continuation of the sense beyond the couplet." (Hallam Hist. Lit. II. v. ii. §54. 216 ) |