How a minstrel modified subjects for outdated comedians' jokes (7-2-3)

I believe the answer is:

mothers-in-law

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'subjects for outdated comedians' jokes' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'how a minstrel modified' is the wordplay.
'modified' indicates an anagram.
'how'+'a'+'minstrel'='howaminstrel'
'howaminstrel' with letters rearranged gives 'MOTHERS-IN-LAW'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mothers-in-law that I've seen before include "Relations men gain by marriage" , "(Feared?) relatives" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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