A gleeman is a medieval poet or musician who entertained people through recitation of poems or performance of music. The term can be substituted with a number of synonyms based on the particular activity or skill of the individual. A minstrel, bard, troubadour and poet are alternatives for a gleeman that relates to the person's ability to create and perform poetry or music. A jester or clown is a synonym for a gleeman in respect to the individual's role in entertaining and amusing people. In some cases, a minstrel might also be a troubadour or bard, but the context of usage determines the synonym for a gleeman.