Here's a breakdown of what might be related to what you're asking, and how it's used in poetry:
1. Metrical Contractions:
* In traditional poetry: Metrical contractions are a technique for fitting words into a specific meter or rhyme scheme. This often involves omitting syllables or sounds.
* Example: "o'er" for "over" or "'tis" for "it is."
* Modern Poetry: While less common, modern poets might use contractions for similar reasons, but they can also be used for effect, adding a colloquial or informal tone.
2. Elision:
* This is a technique of omitting sounds or syllables at the end of one word and the beginning of the next.
* Example: "th'other" for "the other" or "e'en" for "even."
* This is often used to maintain the rhythm and meter of the poem.
3. Poetic License:
* This refers to a poet's freedom to deviate from standard grammatical rules or usage to achieve a desired effect.
* This can include contractions, but also unconventional word order, unusual metaphors, or altered syntax.
4. Specific Usage:
* It's possible "poetic contraction" is a term used within a particular poetry group or style. If you can provide more context, I may be able to help further.
To understand better, it would be helpful if you could:
* Provide the context where you encountered the term.
* Give an example of a poem or passage where this term is used.
With more information, I can give you a more precise explanation of what "poetic contraction" might refer to.