Gleeman

Gleeman

A gleeman was an itinerant performer in the Middle Ages [ cite web|url=http://www.dict.org/bin/Dict?Form=Dict2&Database=*&Query=gleeman |title=Definition of gleeman |accessdate=2007-04-19 |date=1913 |work=Webster ] . Gleemen were distinguished from other kinds of performers by their ability to juggle [ cite web|url=http://www.juggling.org/books/artists/history.html |title=A Brief History of Juggling |accessdate=2007-04-19 ] , which was sometimes credited to their supposed knowledge of witchcraft. They were also accomplished storytellers and minstrels [ cite book|title=The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes |url=http://www.bartleby.com/211/0102.html |accessdate=2007-04-19 ] , often reciting epic poetry written by a scop [ cite web|url=http://www.poeticbyway.com/gl-g.html#gleeman |title=Gleeman |accessdate=2007-04-19 |work=Poetry Byway ] , although they would also compose their own poems and songs.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Gleeman — Glee man, n.; pl. {Gleemen}. [Glee + man; AS. gle[ o]man.] A name anciently given to an itinerant minstrel or musician. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • gleeman — [glē′mən] n. pl. gleemen [glē′mən] [ME gleman < OE gleoman: see GLEE & MAN] Obs. a medieval minstrel …   English World dictionary

  • gleeman — noun /ˈɡliːmən/ A professional singer, bard, or other entertainer. The ancient Celts carefully distinguished the poet, who was originally a priest and judge as well and whose person was sacrosanct, from the mere gleeman …   Wiktionary

  • gleeman — /ˈglimæn/ (say gleeman) noun (plural gleemen) (formerly) a strolling professional singer or minstrel. {Middle English, Old English glēomann} …  

  • gleeman — noun Etymology: Middle English gleman, from Old English glēoman, from glēo + man man Date: before 12th century jongleur …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • gleeman — /glee meuhn/, n., pl. gleemen. (in medieval times) an itinerant singer; minstrel. [bef. 900; ME; OE gleoman. See GLEE1, MAN] * * * …   Universalium

  • gleeman — sb. HD. 2329 …   Oldest English Words

  • gleeman — noun (plural gleemen) historical a professional entertainer, especially a singer …   English new terms dictionary

  • gleeman — glee·man …   English syllables

  • gleeman — ˈglēmən noun (plural gleemen) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English glēoman, from glēo entertainment, music + man : a medieval usually itinerant professional entertainer (as in England or Scotland) who sang songs often to his own… …   Useful english dictionary

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