noun
- Plural of glee man; medieval or early modern entertainers, musicians, or minstrels who performed songs, jokes, and music for audiences.
Usage: archaic; historical; chiefly British
Examples
- The gleemen traveled from village to village, performing ballads and comic sketches.
- Medieval gleemen were skilled at singing, dancing, and playing various instruments.
- The lord hired gleemen to entertain guests at the feast.
- Gleemen often formed groups to increase their appeal and share the work of performance.
- Historical records mention gleemen performing in taverns and at court celebrations.