Po"et*ry (?), n. [OF. poeterie.
See Poet.] 1. The art of apprehending and
interpreting ideas by the faculty of imagination; the art of
idealizing in thought and in expression.
For poetry is the blossom and the fragrance of
all human knowledge, human thoughts, human passions, emotions,
language.
Coleridge.
2. Imaginative language or composition,
whether expressed rhythmically or in prose. Specifically: Metrical
composition; verse; rhyme; poems collectively; as, heroic
poetry; dramatic poetry; lyric or Pindaric
poetry. "The planetlike music of poetry." Sir
P. Sidney.
She taketh most delight
In music, instruments, and poetry.
Shak.