The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Rhapsody \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.
      [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] Rhatany