a large island in the Aegean sea, on the coast of Aetolia, about 168 miles in circumference. It has been formerly called Pelafgia, from the Pelafgi, by whom it was first peopled; Macaria, from Macareus who settled in it; and Lebos, from the son-in-law and successor of Macareus who bore the same name. The chief towns of Lesbos were Methymna and Mitylene. It was originally governed by kings, but they were afterwards subjected to the neighbouring powers. The wine which it produced was greatly esteemed by the ancients, and still is in the same repute among the moderns. The Lesbians were debauched and dissipated, that the epithet of Lesbian was often used to signify debauchery and extravagance. Lesbos has given birth to many illustrious persons, such as Arion, Terpander, Sappho, &c. See MITYLENE.