Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MIN'STREL, n. [F. menêtrier, for menestrier; Sp. ministril, a minstrel, and a tipstaff, or petty officer of justice; Port. menestral; perhaps a derivative from menear, to move, stir, wag, wield. If so, the word originally signified a performer on a musical instrument, who accompanied his performances with gestures, like the histrio and joculator.]

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.