min|is|ter

min|is|ter «MIHN uh stuhr», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a clergyman serving a church, especially a Protestant church; spiritual guide; pastor: »

The minister always gives a good sermon.

2. a person who is given charge of a department of the government: »

the Minister of Finance.

3. a person sent to a foreign country to represent his own government, especially a diplomat ranking below an ambassador: »

the United States Minister to Switzerland.

4. a person or thing employed in carrying out a purpose or the will of another; agent: »

The storm which killed the murderer seemed the minister of God's vengeance.

5. Archaic. a servant or attendant: »

A multitude of cooks, and inferior ministers, employed in the service of the kitchens (Edward Gibbon).

–v.i.

1. to attend (to comfort or wants); act as a servant or nurse; be of service: »

She ministers to the sick man's wants. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

SYNONYM(S): serve.

2. to be helpful; give aid; contribute: »

My lord's clearness of mind…had not ceased to minister to my amazement (Robert Louis Stevenson).

SYNONYM(S): help, assist.

–v.t.

1. Archaic. to furnish; supply: »

I will endeavour most faithfully not to minister any occasion of strife (Scott).

2. Obsolete. to dispense or administer (a sacrament).

3. Obsolete. to apply or administer (something healing).

╂[< Old French ministre, learned borrowing from Latin minister, -trī servant < minus less; see etym. under minus (Cf. ↑minus)]