rhapsodies

Noun

rhapsody (plural rhapsodies)

1. (historical, Ancient Greece) An epic poem, or part of one, suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
2. (broadly, sometimes) An exaggeratedly enthusiastic or exalted expression of feeling in speech or writing.
   • Of course here Mr. Pen went off into a rhapsody through which, as we have perfect command over our own feelings, we have no reason to follow the lad. Of course, love, truth, and eternity were produced: and words were tried but found impossible to plumb the tremendous depth of his affection.1848 November – 1850 December, William Makepeace Thackeray, The History of Pendennis. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1849–1850, →OCLC
3. (broadly) An instrumental composition of irregular form, often incorporating improvisation.
4. (archaic, broadly) A random collection or medley; a miscellany; also, a confused string of stories, words, etc.
   • Such an act / That blurs the grace and blush of modesty; / Calls virtue hypocrite; takes off the rose / From the fair forehead of an innocent love / And sets a blister there; makes marriage vows / As false as dicers' oaths; O, such a deed / As from the body of contraction plucks / The very soul...c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...
5. (broadly, obsolete, sometimes) A literary composition consisting of miscellaneous works.

See all 8 meanings of rhapsody