- rhapsody
- 1542, "epic poem," from M.Fr. rhapsodie, from L. rhapsodia, from Gk. rhapsoidia "verse composition," from rhapsodios "reciter of epic poems," from rhaptein "to stitch" (see wrap) + oide "song." Meaning "exalted enthusiastic feeling or expression" is from 1639. Meaning "sprightly musical composition" is first recorded 1850s.