minstrel
From Latin, Medieval Latin, and Old French. Originally a servant (compare minister), then an entertainer of any kind, then specifically a musician.
Minister is related to the Latin adverb minus (less), just as master (from Latin magister) is related to magis (more). Master and servant – respectively 'more' and 'less'.
Minstrel
Re: Minstrel
Minstrel appears to be related to "minster", as in York Minster (a beautiful cathedral). However "minster" is derived from "monastery". But monks were/are "servants of God", so there still seems to be some sort of relationship.
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Re: Minstrel
Probably not related to the Munsters, though.
I gather monk started out from a root meaning 'lone', thus a religious hermit.
I gather monk started out from a root meaning 'lone', thus a religious hermit.
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