minstrelsy

Meaning

Noun

• The musical and other art and craft of a minstrel.
• A group of minstrels.
• Any similar modern group performing song and verse.
• A collection of minstrel ballads.

Origin

• From Middle English minstralcie, from 13th century Anglo-Norman menestralsie, menestralcie, from Old French menestrel ("minstrel"), itself from Medieval Latin ministralis ("servant, jester, singer"), from Late Latin ministerialis ("imperial household officer, one having an official duty"), from the adjective ministerialis, from Latin ministerium ("service").