[min.strel] n [ME menestrel, fr. MF, official, servant, minstrel, fr. LL ministerialis imperial household officer, fr. L ministerium service, fr. minister servant--more at minister] (14c) 1: one of a class of medieval musical entertainers; esp: a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp
2. a: musician b: poet 3 a: any of a troupe of performers typically giving a program of black American melodies, jokes, and impersonations and usu. wearing blackface b: a performance by a troupe of minstrels