minstrel

Etymology

Middle English menestrel, from Old French menestral (“entertainer, servant, official”) from Latin ministerialis (“servant”), from ministerium (“service”), from minister (“servant”). More at minister.

Pronunciation

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Noun

minstrel (plural minstrels)

1. (historical) A medieval traveling entertainer who would sing and recite poetry, often to his own musical accompaniment.
2. (US) One of a troupe of entertainers who wore black makeup (blackface) to present a so-called minstrel show, being a variety show of song, dance and banjo music.

See also

• vaudeville