/min"streuhl/ , n.
1. a medieval poet and musician who sang or recited while accompanying himself on a stringed instrument, either as a member of a noble household or as an itinerant troubadour.
2. a musician, singer, or poet.
3. one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs, jokes, etc.
[ 1175-1225; ME ministrel ministerialis servant (n. use of adj.); see MINISTERIAL ]