n. 1. The arts and occupation of minstrels; the singing and playing of a minstrel. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Musical instruments. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A collective body of minstrels, or musicians; also, a collective body of minstrels' songs. Chaucer. “The minstrelsy of heaven.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]