Main Entry: ¹min·is·ter

Pronunciation: \ˈmi-nə-stər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English ministre, from Anglo-French, from Latin minister servant; akin to Latin minor smaller

Date: 14th century

1 : agent
2 a : one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b : a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion
3 a : the superior of one of several religious orders —called also minister-general b : the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house
4 : a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities
5 a : a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state b : a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador