rhapsodist

[Eng. rhapsod(y); -ist.] 1. Greek Antiq .: One of a cla of wandering minstrels in ancient Greece, of the Ionian race, who formerly recited epics in public places. Rhapsodical recitation must be regarded as the forerunner of stage-acting, and as forming, when conjoined with the Bacchic chorus, the complete Greek drama. 2. One who recites or sings verses for a livelihood; one who makes or recites verses extempore. "The gro fictions chanted in the streets By wandering rhapsodists ." Words worth: Excursion, bk. iv. 3. One who writes or speaks in a confused or disconnected manner, with great excitement or affectation of feeling.