Etymology

Noun

1. An ancient Greek epic poem (or part of one) suitable for uninterrupted recitation.
2. A random collection or medley; a miscellany or confused string of stories, words etc.
   • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, vol. 1 p. 138:

     This concerneth not those mingle-mangles of many kinds of stuffe, or as the Grecians call them Rapsodies, that for such are published [...].

3. An exalted or exaggeratedly enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or writing.
4. An instrumental composition of irregular form often incorporating improvisation.