Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Meistersingers

MEISTERSINGERS (mīs-), a society of German citizens formed in the 13th century for the cultivation of poetry. It is believed to have arisen at Mayence, whence it spread to Augsburg, Nuremberg, etc. It was incorporated by Charles IV. in 1378. Among the most famous of them were Hans Sachs, Henry of Meissen, Frauenlob, Regenbogen, Hadlaub, and Muscatblut. The meistersingers were the successors of the minnesingers. Their poems were often satiric, “Reynard the Fox” and “Tyl Owl-glass” are attributed to them.