the name of an ancient epic poem, the first and finest of those composed by Homer.

The poet's design in the Iliad was to shew the Greeks, who were divided into several little states, how much it was their interest to preserve a harmony and good understanding among themselves: for which end, he sets before them the calamities that befell their ancestors from the wrath of Achilles, and his misfortune standing standing with Agamemnon; and the advantages that afterwards accrued to them from their union. The Iliad is divided into twenty-four books, or rhapsodies, which are marked with the letters of the alphabet.