minstrel

min·strel

noun \ˈmin(t)-strəl\

Definition of MINSTREL

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

Examples of MINSTREL

1. <Edna St. Vincent Millay was unofficially the minstrel of Maine, as her poetry celebrates its coast and countryside.>

Origin of MINSTREL

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to MINSTREL

Synonyms: bard, poet, muse, poetaster, rhymester (also rimester), versifier

Related Words: poetess; poet laureate; scop, troubadour; epigrammatist, epigrammatizer, lyricist, rhymer, sonneteer; rhapsode, rhapsodist

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Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany