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. "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."

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. "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."

• Excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing.
  
• A literary work written in an impassioned or exalted style
  
• A state of elated bliss or ecstasy.
  
• (music) An instrumental composition of irregular form often incorporating improvisation.
  
• An ancient Greek epic poem suitable for uninterrupted recitation.