Min′is‐te″ri‐al (?), a. [L. ministerialis: cf. F. ministériel. See Minister, and cf. Minstrel.]
1. Of or pertaining to ministry or service; serving; attendant.
Enlightening spirits and ministerial flames. Prior.
2. Of or pertaining to the office of a minister or to the ministry as a body, whether civil or sacerdotal. “Ministerial offices.” Bacon. “A ministerial measure.” Junius. “Ministerial garments.” Hooker.
3. Tending to advance or promote; contributive. “Ministerial to intellectual culture.” De Quincey.
The ministerial benches, the benches in the House of Commons occupied by members of the cabinet and their supporters; — also, the persons occupying them. “Very solid and very brilliant talents distinguish the ministerial benches.” Burke.
Syn. — Official; priestly; sacerdotal; ecclesiastical.