Min″is‐try (?), n.; pl. Ministries (#). [L. ministerium. See Minister, n., and cf. Mystery a trade.]
1. The act of ministering; ministration; service. “With tender ministry.” Thomson.
2. Hence: Agency; instrumentality.
The ordinary ministry of second causes. Atterbury.
The wicked ministry of arms. Dryden.
3. The office, duties, or functions of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession.
4. The body of ministers of state; also, the clergy, as a body.
5. Administration; rule; term in power; as, the ministry of Pitt.