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Webster 1913 Edition
Rhapsody
Rhap′so-dy
,Noun.
pl.
Rhapsodies
(#)
. [F.
rhapsodie
, L. rhapsodia
, Gr. ῥαψω,δία
, fr. ῥαψω,δόσ
a rhapsodist; ῥάπτειν
to sew, stitch together, unite + ὠ,δή
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
. 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.
3.
(Mus.)
A composition irregular in form, like an improvisation;
as, Liszt’s “Hungarian
.” Rhapsodies
Webster 1828 Edition
Rhapsody
RHAP'SODY
,Noun.
Originally, a discourse in verse, sung or rehearsed by a rhapsodist; or a collection of verses, particularly those of Homer. In modern usage, a collection of passages thoughts or authorities, composing a new piece, but without necessary dependence or natural connection.
Definition 2024
rhapsody
rhapsody
English
Noun
rhapsody (plural rhapsodies)
- An ancient Greek epic poem (or part of one) suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
- (obsolete) A random collection or medley; a miscellany or confused string of stories, words etc.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, vol.1, p.138:
- This concerneth not those mingle-mangles of many kinds of stuffe, or as the Grecians call them Rapsodies, that for such are published […].
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essayes, London: Edward Blount, OCLC 946730821, vol.1, p.138:
- An exalted or exaggeratedly enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing.
- (music) An instrumental composition of irregular form often incorporating improvisation.
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