Ad‐min″is‐ter (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Administered (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Administering.] [OE. aministren, OF. aministrer, F. administer, fr. L. administrare; ad + ministrare to serve. See Minister.] 1. To manage or conduct, as public affairs; to direct or superintend the execution, application, or conduct of; as, to administer the government or the state.
For forms of government let fools contest:
Whate'er is best administered is best.
Pope.
2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament.
administer their tepid, genial airs.
Philips.
Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known.
Macaulay.
3. To apply, as medicine or a remedy; to give, as a dose or something beneficial or suitable. Extended to a blow, a reproof, etc.
A noxious drug had been administered to him.
Macaulay.
4. To tender, as an oath.
Swear... to keep the oath that we administer.
Shak.
5. (Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.
Syn. — To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give out; distribute; furnish.