Muse

Muse Muse, n. [F. Muse, L. Musa, Gr. ?. Cf. {Mosaic}, n., {Music}.] 1. (Class. Myth.) One of the nine goddesses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, who presided over song and the different kinds of poetry, and also the arts and sciences; -- often used in the plural. At one time certain other goddesses were considered as muses. [1913 Webster]

Granville commands; your aid, O Muses, bring: What Muse for Granville can refuse to sing? --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Note: The names of the Muses and the arts they presided over were: Calliope (Epic poetry), Clio (History), Erato (Lyric poetry), Euterpe (music), Melpomene (Tragedy), Polymnia or Polyhymnia (religious music), Terpsichore (dance), Thalia (comedy), and Urania (astronomy). [1913 Webster]

2. A particular power and practice of poetry; the inspirational genius of a poet. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. A poet; a bard. [R.] --Milton. [1913 Webster]