LESBUS, or Lesbos, (anc. geogr.), an island on the coast of Troas and Mytilene, in the Hither Asia, inhabited by Lesbians, (Scylax); taking its name from Lesbos, grandson of Aeolus, according to Diodorus Siculus. In length from north to south 560 stadia; in compass, 1500. A noble and pleasant island, says Tacitus; famous for the fertility of its soil, the generousness of its wines, and the beauty of its women: the native place of Sappho the poetess. Anciently called Laofin, Pelagia, Epira, Ethiope, and Macaria, (Pliny); Lesbina, and Lesbous, the epithets, (Horace); Lesbos regula (Aristotle), a proverbial saying for bringing down the rule to our actions, instead of our actions up to the rule. The island is now called Lefkada, or Meteora. See METEOR.