minstrel

[min-struhl]

noun

1. a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour.

2. a musician, singer, or poet.

3. one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men in blackface, presenting songs, jokes, etc., and portraying negative racial stereotypes.

minstrel

/ ˈmɪnstrəl /

noun

1. a medieval wandering musician who performed songs or recited poetry with instrumental accompaniment

2. a performer in a minstrel show

3. archaic,  any poet, musician, or singer

Word History and Origins

Origin of minstrel¹

1175–1225; Middle English ministrel < Old French < Late Latin ministeriālis servant (noun use of adj.); ministerial

Word History and Origins

Origin of minstrel¹

C13: from Old French menestral, from Late Latin ministeriālis an official, from Latin _minister

Example Sentences

My vision of Queens, when it’s perfect, is: There’s a hill with the sun behind it, and this crippled army of minstrels comes over the horizon.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Anthony, he continues, "is the worst kind of shallow, fashion-grubbing gay minstrel."

Read more on Salon

The new critique of politicians of color like Donalds, Scott and Robinson should be, Smith argued, "are these people performing like minstrels?"

Read more on Salon

NM: It’s such a complicated dance, to try to dismiss them as minstrels while also understanding the quality of their work.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the banjo's creation eventually became a blending between West African and European traditions mostly due to minstrel shows in the 1800s.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• troubadour