n.
Pronunciation: ' min(t)-str ə l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English menestrel, from Anglo-French menestral official, servant, minstrel, from Late Latin ministerialis imperial household officer, from Latin ministerium service, from minister servant ― more at MINISTER
Date: 14th century
1 : one of a class of medieval musical entertainers especially : 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 usually wearing blackface b : a performance by a troupe of minstrels