Main Entry:

min·strel

Pronunciation:

\ˈmin(t)-strəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English menestrel, from Anglo-French menestral official, servant, minstrel, from Late Latin ministerialis imperial household officer, from Latin ministerium service, from minister servant — more at minister

Date:

14th century

1: one of a class of medieval musical entertainers ; especially : a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp2 a: musician b: poet3 a: any of a troupe of performers typically giving a program of black American melodies, jokes, and impersonations and usually wearing blackface b: a performance by a troupe of minstrels