I. ˈmi-nə-stər noun
Etymology: Middle English ministre, from Anglo-French, from Latin minister servant; akin to Latin minor smaller
Date: 14th century
1. : agent
2.
a. : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship
b. : a clergyman especially 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
II. intransitive verb
( -tered ; min·is·ter·ing -st(ə-)riŋ)
Date: 14th century
1. : to function as a minister of religion
2. : to give aid or service
minister to the sick