minstrel
[ min-struh l ]
/ ˈmɪn strəl /
noun
a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour.
a musician, singer, or poet.
one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men in blackface, presenting songs, jokes, etc., and portraying negative racial stereotypes.
Origin of minstrel
1175–1225; Middle English
ministrel < Old French < Late Latin
ministeriālis servant (noun use of adj.); see
ministerial
Words nearby minstrel
minot,
minotaur,
minoxidil,
minsk,
minster,
minstrel,
minstrel show,
minstrelsy,
mint,
mint bush,
mint condition, in
Example sentences from the Web for minstrel
British Dictionary definitions for minstrel
minstrel
/ (ˈmɪnstrəl) /
noun
a medieval wandering musician who performed songs or recited poetry with instrumental accompaniment
a performer in a minstrel show
archaic, or poetic
any poet, musician, or singer
Word Origin for minstrel
C13: from Old French
menestral, from Late Latin
ministeriālis an official, from Latin
minister