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Webster 1913 Edition

Minstrel

Min′strel

,
Noun.
[OE.
minstrel
,
menestral
, OF.
menestrel
, fr. LL.
ministerialis
servant, workman (cf.
ministrellus
harpist), fr. L.
ministerium
service. See
Ministry
, and cf.
Ministerial
.]
In the Middle Ages, one of an order of men who subsisted by the arts of poetry and music, and sang verses to the accompaniment of a harp or other instrument; in modern times, a poet; a bard; a singer and harper; a musician.
Chaucer.

Webster 1828 Edition

Minstrel

MIN'STREL

,
Noun.
A singer and musical performer on instruments. Minstrels were formerly poets as well as musicians, and held in high repute by our rude ancestors. Their attendance was sought and their performances lavishly rewarded by princes. It was in the character of a minstrel that king Alfred entered the camp of the Danes his enemies, and explored their situation.

Definition 2024

minstrel

minstrel

English

Noun

minstrel ‎(plural minstrels)

  1. (historical) A medieval traveling entertainer who would sing and recite poetry, often to his own musical accompaniment.
  2. One of a troupe of entertainers who wore black makeup (blackface) to present a variety show of song, dance and banjo music.

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Etymology

Middle English menestrel, from Old French menestral ‎(“entertainer, servant, official”) from Latin ministerialis ‎(“servant”), from ministerium ‎(“service”), from minister ‎(“servant”). More at minister.

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