Dactylic refers to a metrical foot in poetry that consists of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. It is often represented as "DUM-da-da," where the first syllable is emphasized, creating a rhythmic pattern. This structure is commonly found in classical poetry and can add a lively or galloping quality to the verse. An example of dactylic meter can be seen in the works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, particularly in his famous poem "Evangeline". Dactylic hexameter, which consists of six dactyls, is notably used in Homer's epic poems, such as "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey".