| Rhapsody | n.; pl. Rhapsodies [ F. rhapsodie, L. rhapsodia, Gr. "rapsw,di`a, fr. "rapsw, do`s a rhapsodist; "ra`ptein to sew, stitch together, unite + 'w,dh` a song. See Ode.] 1. A recitation or song of a rhapsodist; a portion of an epic poem adapted for recitation, or usually recited, at one time; hence, a division of the Iliad or the Odyssey; -- called also a book. [1913 Webster] 2. A disconnected series of sentences or statements composed under excitement, and without dependence or natural connection; rambling composition. “A rhapsody of words.” Shak. “A rhapsody of tales.” Locke. [1913 Webster] 3. (Mus.) A composition irregular in form, like an improvisation; as, Liszt's “Hungarian Rhapsodies.” [1913 Webster] |
