n. (pl. -ies) 1 (often foll. by of) a smaller number or part, esp. within a political party or structure. 2 the number of votes cast for this (a minority of two). 3 the state of having less than half the votes or of being supported by less than half of the body of opinion (in the minority). 4 a relatively small group of people differing from others in the society of which they are a part in race, religion, language, political persuasion, etc. 5 (attrib.) relating to or done by the minority (minority interests). 6 a the state of being under full legal age. b the period of this.
[ F minorité or med.L minoritas f. L minor: see MINOR ]