MINSTREL

minstrel

(noun) a performer in a minstrel show

minstrel

(verb) celebrate by singing, in the style of minstrels

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

minstrel (plural minstrels)

(historical) A medieval traveling entertainer who would sing and recite poetry, often to his own musical accompaniment.

(US) One of a troupe of entertainers who wore black makeup (blackface) to present a so-called minstrel show, being a variety show of song, dance and banjo music.

Synonyms

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

Source: Wiktionary

Min"strel, n. Etym: [OE. minstrel, menestral, OF. menestrel, fr. LL. ministerialis servant, workman (cf. ministrellus harpist), fr. L. ministerium service. See Ministry, and cf. Ministerial.]

Definition: In the Middle Ages, one of an order of men who subsisted by the arts of poetry and music, and sang verses to the accompaniment of a harp or other instrument; in modern times, a poet; a bard; a singer and harper; a musician. Chaucer.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition