First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
minstrel
noun min·strel \ˈmin(t)-strəl\
: a musical entertainer in the Middle Ages
: a member of a group of entertainers who performed black American songs and jokes usually with blackened faces
Full Definition of MINSTREL
1
: one of a class of medieval musical entertainers; especially : a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp
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
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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
Other Performing Arts Terms
MINSTREL Defined for Kids
minstrel
noun min·strel \ˈmin-strəl\
Definition of MINSTREL for Kids
1
: a musical entertainer in the Middle Ages
2
: a member of a group of entertainers who performed black American melodies and jokes with blackened faces in the 19th and early 20th centuries
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