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

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

  Simon & Schuster: A Renegade History of the United States

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

  Some by Fire

• “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

• “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

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

  Watch Yourself Go By

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

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

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

  The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com

• “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

• “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

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