minstrelsy

American  

[min-struhl-see] / ˈmɪn strəl si /

noun

1. the art or practice of a minstrel.

2. minstrels' songs, ballads, etc..

   a collection of Scottish minstrelsy.

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minstrelsy British  

/ ˈmɪnstrəlsɪ /

noun

1. the art of a minstrel

2. the poems, music, or songs of a minstrel

3. a troupe of minstrels

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Etymology

Origin of minstrelsy

1275–1325; Middle English minstralcie (< Anglo-French menestralsie ) < Anglo-Latin ministralcia, menestralcia. See minstrel, -cy

Example Sentences

“For example, the ‘Amistad’ story happened exactly at the time when minstrelsy was starting to become the principal form of entertainment,” Davis says.

From Seattle Times

The site includes a historical outline of free speech controversies, starting with minstrelsy and ending with quotes from his article.

From New York Times

“Tambo & Bones,” a new play by Dave Harris that opened Sunday at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, scrutinizes the inescapable legacy of minstrelsy in Black entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times

There are letters, calls to action, song lyrics, aphorisms, annotations, unearthed journal entries, a theory of minstrelsy.

From New York Times

Sasami’s background is in classical music, but while in isolation she educated herself on Black cultural appropriation, learning about topics like the blues and minstrelsy.

From New York Times