Muse over

[Operario]

Hi everyone! I'm wondering whether the use of muse over is correct in the following sentence:

"He sits in the corner in silence and muses over the inlays on the floor". When writing that, I actually meant that the person was looking at the inlays on the floor and and daydreaming, spacing out. I'm uncertain whether "muse over" (or puzzle over) would be applicable in this situation.

 

[SoothingDave]

Muse | Define Muse at Dictionary.com

I am used to "Muse" as a noun (as in mythology) and not as a verb. But the dictionary says it is a verb.

That said, "muse" as a verb does not seem to have the meaning of "space out" or "daydream," but rather of thoughtful contemplation.