n.
- (in certain countries) a head of a government department:
the Defence Minister.
- a member of the clergy, especially in the Presbyterian and Nonconformist Churches.
▸
(also minister general)
the superior of some religious orders.
- a diplomatic agent, usually ranking below an ambassador, representing a state or sovereign in a foreign country.
v.
-
(minister to)
attend to the needs of.
- act as a minister of religion.
▸administer (a sacrament).
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. ministre (n.), ministrer (v.), from L. minister ‘servant’, from minus ‘less’.