1. the head and chief administrator of the U.S. Department of State. Cf. foreign minister .
2. Brit. any of several ministers in the British government: A new secretary of state for the Home Department has been appointed.
3. (in the U.S.) the appointed or elected official in a state government whose chief function is to distribute statutes, administer elections, keep archives, etc.
Also, Secretary of State .
[ 1610-20 ]