Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Definition: \Rhap"so*dy\, 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}.

2. A disconnected series of sentences or statements composed under excitement, and without dependence or natural connection; rambling composition; as, Shakespeare ``A rhapsody of words.''


3. (Mus.) A composition irregular in form, like an improvisation; as, Liszt's ``Hungarian Rhapsodies.''