minstrel

1 a singer of folk songs [syn: folk singer, jongleur, poet-singer, troubadour]

2 a performer in a minstrel show v : celebrate by singing, in the style of minstrels

English

Pronunciation

Noun

1. A medieval traveling entertainer who would sing and recite poetry, often to his own musical accompaniment.
2. One of a troupe of entertainers who wore black makeup (blackface) to present a variety show of song, dance and banjo music; now considered racist.

Quotations

• 1885 — Gilbert & Sullivan, The Mikado

  A wandering minstrel I —

  A thing of shreds and patches,

  Of ballads, songs and snatches,

Synonyms

• (traveling musical entertainer): bard, folk singer, troubadour

Translations

See also

• vaudeville

For the 19th century American form of music and performance known as minstrelsy, see minstrel show.

For the chocolate sweets sold in the UK, see Minstrels (chocolate)

• James Beattie, author of the poem The Minstrel.
• Minstrels' gallery (also found in wind)

External links

Owain Phyfe on Myspace, with music and videos

• Stella Fortuna: Medieval Minstrels (1370), from Ye Compaynye of Cheualrye Re-enactment Society. Photos and Audio Download.

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