ˈmɪnstrəl n. 1 a
medieval singer or
musician,
esp. singing or reciting
poetry. 2
hist. a
person who entertained patrons
with singing, buffoonery, etc. 3 (usu. in pl.) a
member of a
band of
public entertainers with blackened faces
etc., performing songs
and music ostensibly of
Negro origin. [ME f. OF menestral
entertainer,
servant, f. Prov. menest(ai)ral
officer,
employee, musician, f. LL ministerialis
official, officer: see MINISTERIAL]