(Muse) any of the nine sister goddesses in Greek mythology who were the patrons of the arts and sciences
In Greek mythology the Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Their names were Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (flute-playing), Thalia (comedy), Melpomene (tragedy), Terpsichore (choral lyric and dancing), Erato (lyric poetry), Polyhymnia (hymns and pantomime), and Urania (astronomy)
(sometimes the muse) a source of inspiration, esp for a creative artist
To a historian libraries are food, shelter, and even muse — Barbara Tuchman
a woman who is a source of inspiration to a creative artist, esp a poet
[Middle English via French and Latin from Greek Mousa]