Английский Этимологический словарь - rhyme (n.)

- 1610, from M.E. ryme "measure, meter, rhythm," later "rhymed verse," from O.Fr. rime (fem.), related to O.Prov. rim (masc.), both probably from a Gmc. source (cf. O.H.G., O.Fris. and O.E. rim "number"). Spelling influenced by rhythm. The verb is first attested 1660. Phrase rhyme or reason "good sense" (chiefly used in the negative) is from 1664. Rhyme royal is a stanza of seven 10-syllable lines rhymed a-b-a-b-b-c-c.