MINSTREL


Meaning of MINSTREL in English

n.

Wandering musician of the Middle Ages, often of low status.

The term (and equivalents such as Latin ioculator and French jongleur ) was applied in medieval times to people ranging from singing beggars to traveling musicians hired by towns for special occasions to court jesters. The modern folksinger is a descendant. See also minstrel show .

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.