n.1 a medieval singer or musician, esp. singing or reciting poetry.
2 hist. a person who entertained patrons with singing, buffoonery, etc.
3 (usu. in pl.) a member of a band of public entertainers with blackened faces etc., performing songs and music ostensibly of Negro origin.
Etymology: ME f. OF menestral entertainer, servant, f. Prov. menest(ai)ral officer, employee, musician, f. LL ministerialis official, officer: see MINISTERIAL