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n. 1. a. One who is authorized to perform religious functions in a Christian church, especially a Protestant church. b. Roman Catholic Church The superior in certain orders. 2. A high officer of state appointed to head an executive or administrative department of government. 3. An authorized diplomatic representative of a government, usually ranking next below an ambassador. 4. A person serving as an agent for another by carrying out specified orders or functions. v. min·is·tered, min·is·ter·ing, min·is·ters v.intr. 1. To attend to the wants and needs of others: Volunteers ministered to the homeless after the flood. See Synonyms at tend2. 2. To perform the functions of a cleric. v.tr. To administer or dispense (a sacrament, for example). [Middle English ministre, from Old French, from Latin minister, servant; see mei-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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