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Jongleur Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jongleur

[หˆส’ษ’ล‹ษกlษ™ห ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

entertainment

A jongleur was a medieval entertainer who performed juggling, acrobatics, and other tricks to entertain the audience.

Synonyms

entertainer, juggler.

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Word Description / Examples
jongleur

This term is an old French word often used to describe medieval entertainers, specifically those who performed songs, stories, and acts in the courts of nobility or public spaces. It's mostly used in a historical or literary context.

  • The jongleur captivated the audience with his tales of legendary heroes.
  • Medieval jongleurs were skilled in both music and storytelling.
juggler

This word is used to describe someone who performs juggling acts, often throwing and catching several objects at the same time. It is commonly associated with circuses and street performances.

  • The juggler amazed the crowd by keeping five balls in the air simultaneously.
  • She started her career as a street juggler before moving on to larger venues.
entertainer

This is a general term that refers to someone whose job is to amuse or entertain people through various forms of performance such as singing, dancing, comedy, or magic. It's commonly used in modern contexts.

  • The birthday party hired a professional entertainer to keep the children engaged.
  • As an entertainer, he excelled in making people laugh.

Examples of usage

  • The jongleur amazed the crowd with his juggling skills.
  • Medieval jongleurs traveled from town to town to showcase their talents.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'jongleur' comes from Old French, meaning 'juggler' or 'entertainer,' and was used in medieval times.
  • In the Middle Ages, jongleurs traveled from town to town performing songs, plays, and acrobatics, often in public squares.
  • They were often seen as pivotal in preserving oral traditions, sharing stories and knowledge through their performances.

Literature

  • Jongleurs played a crucial role in medieval literature, helping to pass down epic tales and legends before they were written.
  • Many famous works, including some of the ' chansons de geste' (songs of deeds), were performed by jongleurs, who helped shape the narrative style.
  • Renowned poets like Franรงois Villon and Charles d'Orlรฉans were influenced by the traditions of jongleurs in their works.

Arts and Performance

  • The performance style of jongleurs often included a mix of juggling, dancing, and singing, showcasing a range of talents.
  • In some cultures, jongleurs are akin to modern-day buskers or street performers, entertaining and engaging with their audience directly.
  • They used instruments such as the lute or harp as part of their storytelling performances, blurring lines between music and narrative.

Cultural Influence

  • The art of the jongleur has influenced various forms of entertainment groups, including circus performers and improvisational theater.
  • In contemporary culture, you can see echoes of jongleur traditions in talent shows, street magic acts, and storytelling festivals.
  • Many modern-day performers cite jongleurs as inspiration for their ability to engage audiences through diverse forms of artistry.

Origin of 'jongleur'

The word 'jongleur' originated from the Old French word 'jogleor', which referred to a professional entertainer. Jongleurs were popular in medieval Europe, where they entertained people with their skills and tricks. They were often part of traveling performance groups and played a significant role in the entertainment industry of the time.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,272, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.