MINSTREL


Meaning of MINSTREL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈmin(t)-strəl ]

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.