minstrels

They generally sang their own compositions, and accompanied themselves on the harp; yet some even among the titled minstrels could neither read nor write, and it is related of of one that he was forced to keep a letter from his lady-love in his bosom for ten days until he could find some one to decipher it.

Handbook of Universal Literature From the Best and Latest Authorities Anne C. Lynch Botta 1853

Newspapers catering to a genteel readership called minstrels “demons of disorder” who “made night hideous.”

A Renegade History of the United States Thaddeus Russell 2010

Four bedrooms, two en suite, and what estate agents describe as a minstrels 'gallery.

Some by Fire Pawson, Stuart 1999

And just as the renegade fallen angels became the choir of devils and went to Hell, so the minstrels are the choir of renegade men.

MUSIC AS A DEMONIC ART REINHOLD HAMMERSTEIN 1968

The more professional class, the so-called minstrels or vagrant performers (descendants of the Norman _jongleurs_), possibly provided the music, which appears to have filled a large and useful part in the plays.

The Growth of English Drama Arnold Wynne

Alfred's especial favorite in the minstrels was the fellow who handled the tambourine.

Watch Yourself Go By Ben W. [Illustrator] Warden

"I'll never call the minstrels stupid again," said Watson.

Chasing an Iron Horse Or, A Boy's Adventures in the Civil War Edward Robins 1902

Perhaps we could even say that the minstrels were the first "psychotherapists."

The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com Ph.D. Jane G. Goldberg 2011

II.; however, on reference to the last Vagrant Act of the present king, the word 'minstrels' is omitted; consequently, they are no longer cognizable under that Act of Parliament; and, in addition to that, Mr. Charles Clapp, one of the prisoners, produced his indenture of having served seven years as an apprentice to the profession of a musician to Mr. Clay, who held the same appointment as

A Righte Merrie Christmasse The Story of Christ-Tide John Ashton

In Matt. 9: 23, 24, notice is taken of players on the flute, here called "minstrels" (but in R.V. "flute-players").

Easton's Bible Dictionary M.G. Easton 1897