subs. (old).—A common ballad singer. [From Latin cantare, to sing, + banco, bench; i.e., a singer on a stage or platform.]
1589. PUTTENHAM, Art of English Poesie (ARBER), 96. Small and popular Musickes song by these CANTABANQUI vpon benches and barrels heads. [M.]
1834. H. TAYLOR, Philip van Artevelde, pt. I., iii., 2.
| He was no tavern CANTABANK that made it, | |
| But a Squire Minstrel of your Highness’s court. |
