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 harp
2 a : musician b : poet
3 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