Minstrel

Pronunciation

Origin

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

Full definition of minstrel

Noun

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; now considered racist.

Synonyms

• (traveling musical entertainer) bard, folk singer, troubadour