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: agent2 a: one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship b: a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion3 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 house4: a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities5 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