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minstrel

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The definition of a minstrel is a medieval singer or musician who traveled to perform shows in which lyric poetry or heroic poetry were read with musical accompaniment.

(noun)

A person who performed in a show for nobility during the middle ages by reciting lyrical poetry while playing a zither is an example of a minstrel.

See minstrel in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any of a medieval class of entertainers who traveled from place to place: known esp. for singing and reciting to musical accompaniment
Old Poet. a poet, singer, or musician
☆ a performer in a minstrel show

Origin: ME menestrel < OFr, minstrel, servant, orig., official < LL ministerialis, imperial officer < L ministerium, ministry

See minstrel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A medieval entertainer who traveled from place to place, especially to sing and recite poetry.
a. A lyric poet.
b. A musician.
A performer in a minstrel show.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English minstral

Origin: , from Old French menestrel, servant, entertainer

Origin: , from Late Latin ministeriālis, official in the imperial household

Origin: , from Latin ministerium, ministry; see ministry

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