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Webster 1913 Edition

Minstrel

Min′strel

,
Noun.
[OE.
minstrel
,
menestral
, OF.
menestrel
, fr. LL.
ministerialis
servant, workman (cf.
ministrellus
harpist), fr. L.
ministerium
service. See
Ministry
, and cf.
Ministerial
.]
In the Middle Ages, one of an order of men who subsisted by the arts of poetry and music, and sang verses to the accompaniment of a harp or other instrument; in modern times, a poet; a bard; a singer and harper; a musician.
Chaucer.

Webster 1828 Edition

Minstrel

MIN'STREL

,
Noun.
A singer and musical performer on instruments. Minstrels were formerly poets as well as musicians, and held in high repute by our rude ancestors. Their attendance was sought and their performances lavishly rewarded by princes. It was in the character of a minstrel that king Alfred entered the camp of the Danes his enemies, and explored their situation.

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