n. & v.
--n.
1. a head of a government department.
2 (in full minister of religion) a member of the clergy, esp. in the Presbyterian and Nonconformist Churches.
3 a diplomatic agent, usu. ranking below an ambassador.
4 (usu. foll. by of) a person employed in the execution of (a purpose, will, etc.) (a minister of justice).
5 (in full minister general) the superior of some religious orders.
--v.
1. intr. (usu. foll. by to) render aid or service (to a person, cause, etc.).
2 tr. (usu. foll. by with) archaic furnish, supply, etc.
Phrases and idioms:
ministering angel a kind-hearted person, esp. a woman, who nurses or comforts others (with ref. to Mark 1:13). Minister of the Crown Brit. Parl. a member of the Cabinet. Minister of State a government minister, in the UK usu. regarded as holding a rank below that of Head of Department. Minister without Portfolio a government minister who has Cabinet status, but is not in charge of a specific Department of State.
Derivatives:
ministrable adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF ministre f. L minister servant f. minus less