Definition of "minstrel" []

• A medieval entertainer who traveled from place to place, especially to sing and recite poetry. (noun)
• A lyric poet. (noun)
• A musician. (noun)
• A performer in a minstrel show. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Susan Stroman says "The Scottsboro Boys" makes use of the kind of broad stylized characters typical in minstrel shows."
• "Mixing roles "The Scottsboro Boys" makes use of the kind of broad stylized characters typical in minstrel shows and has many of the actors playing multiple roles - including white stereotypes."
• "True to form, this crowd included vendors selling political memorabilia, including 'don't tread on me,' flags and buttons with President Obama's image in minstrel white-face, or with the president smoking dope."