n. (pl. -ies)
1. (often foll. by of) a smaller number or part, esp. within a political party or structure.
2 the number of votes cast for this (a minority of two).
3 the state of having less than half the votes or of being supported by less than half of the body of opinion (in the minority).
4 a relatively small group of people differing from others in the society of which they are a part in race, religion, language, political persuasion, etc.
5 (attrib.) relating to or done by the minority (minority interests).
6 a the state of being under full legal age. b the period of this.
Etymology: F minorit{eacute} or med.L minoritas f. L minor: see MINOR