minstrelsy

/'minstrəlsi/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The art or performance of a minstrel: The practice, skill, or profession of a medieval singer or musician who recited or sang poetry, often while traveling.
    • A collection of ballads or songs sung by minstrels: The body of poems, songs, or stories performed by such entertainers.
    • A troupe or company of minstrels: A group of performers who practice this art.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun:
    • The king enjoyed the minstrelsy performed in the great hall. (This refers to the art form or performance itself.)
    • This book contains a fascinating collection of medieval minstrelsy. (This refers to the collected songs or ballads.)
    • A traveling minstrelsy entertained the villagers at the fair. (This refers to the group of performers.)
Advanced Usage
  • Historical/Cultural Context: The term is primarily used in historical contexts to describe medieval entertainment. It can also be used poetically or figuratively to evoke a sense of old-fashioned storytelling or musical performance.
    • The poet's verses had a quality of ancient minstrelsy.
Variants and Related Words
  • Minstrel (noun): A medieval singer, musician, or poet who recited stories and songs, often while traveling.
  • Minstrel show (noun): A distinctly different, later form of American theatrical entertainment from the 19th and early 20th centuries featuring performers in blackface. (Note: This is a related but separate and historically specific term.)
Synonyms
  • Bardic art: The art of a bard, similar to a minstrel.
  • Troubadourism: The work or practice of troubadours (lyric poets in medieval France).
  • Musicianship: The skill of performing music (a more general modern term).
  • Recital: A performance of a program of music or poetry.
Idioms and Phrases
  • While there are no common idioms using the exact word "minstrelsy," the concept is embedded in phrases like:
    • "In the tradition of the minstrels": Meaning in the style of old storytelling or musical performance.
Noun
  1. the art of a minstrel
  2. ballads sung by minstrels
  3. a troupe of minstrels