■ noun
1》 (in certain countries) a head of a government department: the Defence Minister.
2》 a member of the clergy, especially in the Presbyterian and Nonconformist Churches.
↘(also ~ general ) the superior of some religious orders.
3》 a diplomatic agent, usually ranking below an ambassador, representing a state or sovereign in a foreign country.
■ verb
1》 ( ~ to ) attend to the needs of.
2》 act as a ~ of religion.
↘ad~ (a sacrament).
Derivatives
~ship noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. ministre (n.), ministrer (v.), from L. ~ 'servant', from minus 'less'.