MINISTER

I. noun Etymology: Middle English ministre, from Anglo-French, from Latin ~ servant; akin to Latin minor smaller Date: 14th century agent , 2. one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship, a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion, 3. the superior of one of several religious orders, the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house, a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities, 5. a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state, a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador, II. intransitive verb (-tered; ~ing) Date: 14th century to function as a ~ of religion, to give aid or service