/min"euh stree/ , n. , pl. ministries .
1. the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion.
2. the body or class of ministers of religion; clergy.
3. the service, function, or office of a minister of state.
4. the body of ministers of state.
5. ( usually cap. ) any of the administrative governmental departments of certain countries usually under the direction of a minister of state.
6. ( usually cap. ) the building that houses such an administrative department.
7. the term of office of a minister of state.
8. an act or instance of ministering; ministration; service.
9. something that serves as an agency, instrument, or means.
[ 1175-1225; ME ministerium, equiv. to minister MINISTER + -ium -IUM ]