v. 1 tr. attend to the running of (business affairs etc.); manage. 2 tr. a be responsible for the implementation of (the law, justice, punishment, etc.). b Eccl. give out, or perform the rites of (a sacrament). c (usu. foll. by to) direct the taking of (an oath). 3 tr. a provide, apply (a remedy). b give, deliver (a rebuke). 4 intr. act as administrator. administrable adj.
[ ME f. OF aministrer f. L administrare (as AD-, MINISTER) ]