Webster's English Dictionary

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minister

1. min.is.ter \'min-*-st*r\ n or minister-general [ME ministre, fr. OF, fr. 
   L minister servant; akin to L minor] 1: AGENT  2a: one officiating or 
   assisting at the administration of a sacrament  2b: a Protestant clergyman  
   2c: a person exercising clerical functions  3: the superior of one of 
   several religious orders  4: a high officer of state entrusted with the 
   management of a division of g overnmental activities 5a: a diplomatic 
   representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court  or seat of 
   government of a foreign state 5b: a diplomatic representative ranking below 
   an ambassador and usu. accred ited to states of less importance
2. minister \-st(*-)rin\ vi or min.is.ter.ing 1: to perform the functions 
   of a minister of religion  2: to give aid : SERVE {~ to the sick}