[min.is.ter] n [ME ministre, fr. OF, fr. L minister servant; akin to L minor smaller] (14c) 1: agent
2. a: one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b: a clergyman esp. of a Protestant communion 3 a: the superior of one of several religious orders--called also minister-general b: the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house
4: a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities
5. a: a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b: a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador
[2]minister vi -tered ; -ter.ing (14c) 1: to perform the functions of a minister of religion
2: to give aid or service "~ to the sick"