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

What kind of minstrel show he gave to win his freedom is not known.

From The Daily Beast

I started with a minstrel show, making eight bucks a night, three nights a week.

From The Daily Beast

The idea that Cyrus staged what amounts to a minstrel show Sunday night is an interesting, though debatable, one.

From The Daily Beast

In a tradition that goes back to the days of the minstrel show, the banjo player doubled as a comedian.

From The Daily Beast

They perceived it as symbolic sexual service in the minstrel lane.

From The Daily Beast

At one end, and acting as interlocutor for this impromptu minstrel show, - 50 -presides one of the best fellows in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

They could revel in the rugged measures of ‘Marmion,’ in the whirl and clatter of the ‘Last Minstrel.’

From Project Gutenberg

The Lay of the Last Minstrel was his first original piece of any length and his first great popular success.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, while the minstrel sang and touched his instrument, a fair youth stood up from the rosy sea of peonies by the pond.

From Project Gutenberg

All festal occasions in Circassian life are enlivened by the presence of the minstrel.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• troubadour