rhapsody | rapsdi | n. & v. M16. [L rhapsodia f. Gk rhapsoidia f. rhapsoidos RHAPSODE, f. rhaptein to stitch + oide song, ODE: see -Y3.] A n. 1 Gk Hist. An epic poem, or part of one, of a suitable length for recitation at one time. M16. 2 A miscellaneous collection; a medley (of words, ideas, narratives, etc.); spec. a literary work consisting of miscellaneous or disconnected pieces; a written composition without a fixed plan. M16-M19. 3 a The stringing together of unconnected poems. Only in E17. b The recitation of epic poetry. Only in E19. 4 An exaggeratedly enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling; an effusive utterance or written work, often disconnected or lacking sound argument. M17. 5 Mus. A free instrumental composition in one extended movement, usu. emotional or exuberant in character. L19.
2 R. SANDERSON A rhapsody of uncircumcised nations. H. HALLAM A rhapsody of wild theory. 4 D. CECIL A Ruskinian rhapsody of lyrical ecstasy.
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Excerpted from The Oxford Interactive Encyclopedia
Developed by The Learning Company, Inc. Copyright (c) 1997 TLC Properties Inc.
In art and literature, rhapsody may mean:
* Rhapsody (music), an enthusiastic instrumental composition of indefinite form
* Epic poem, or part of one, that is suitable for recitation at one time, such as a book of Homer's Odyssey
An epic (from the Ancient Greek adjective ἐπικός (epikos), from ἔπος (epos) "word, story, poem"[1]) is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_poetry
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