in Poetry, a kind of pastoral composition, in which shepherds are introduced conversing together. The word is formed from the Greek ἐκλογή choice; so that, according to the etymology, eclogue should be a select or choice piece; but custom has assigned to it a further signification, namely, a little elegant composition in a simple, natural style and manner.

Idyllion and eclogue, in their primary sense, are the same. Thus the idyllia, ἴδυλλια, of Theocritus, are pieces written perfectly in the same vein with the eclogæ of Virgil. But custom has made a difference between them, and appropriated the name of eclogue to pieces in which shepherds are introduced speaking; and idyllion to those written, like the eclogue, in a simple, natural style, but without any pastoral interlocutors.

Of the Idyl, as the word is generally written, Germany in particular, amongst modern nations, has produced some highly finished specimens. England can boast of comparatively few eclogues so called. Those of Collins are esteemed the best.