ˈmɪnɪstə 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. øministering
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. øøministrable adj. [ME f. OF ministre f. L minister
servant f.
minus less]
