minstrel

UK: /ˈmɪnstrəl/ US: /ˈmɪnstrəl/ ,(min′strəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

min•strel /ˈmɪnstrəl/   n. [countable]

1. Literature a medieval poet, singer, and musician, who either traveled from place to place to perform, or was a member of a noble household.
2. Music and Dance a musician, singer, or poet.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

min•strel  (min′strəl), n. 

1. Music and Dance, Literature 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. Music and Dance a musician, singer, or poet.
3. Show Business one of a troupe of comedians, usually white men made up as black performers, presenting songs, jokes, etc.

• Late Latin ministeriālis servant (noun, nominal use of adjective, adjectival); see ministerial
• Old French
• Middle English ministrel 1175–1225

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

minstrel / ˈmɪnstrəl/ noun

1. a medieval wandering musician who performed songs or recited poetry with instrumental accompaniment
2. a performer in a minstrel show
3. any poet, musician, or singer

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French menestral, from Late Latin ministeriālis an official, from Latin minister