(formerly) a person who composed and recited epic or heroic poems, often while playing the harp, lyre, or the like.

one of an ancient Celtic order of composers and reciters of poetry.

any poet.

the bard, William Shakespeare.

noun

versifier , minstrel , poet , strolling minstrel , balladeer , rhapsodist , muse , poetaster , poetess , rhymer , rhymester , druid , musician , scald , scop , singer , troubadour , writer