rhapsody [M16th] Rhapsody comes from Greek rhaptein ‘to stitch’, and its earliest sense carries the idea of words woven together. In the 16th century a rhapsody was a long poem, like Homer’s Odyssey or Iliad, suitable for recitation. From this developed first the idea of a medley or collection, and then the sense of pleasure and approval expressed with enthusiasm rather than careful thought. The musical sense developed in the mid 19th century.