n.; pl. Ministries [ L. ministerium. See Minister, n., and cf. Mystery a trade. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
1. The act of ministering; ministration; service. “With tender ministry.” Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Hence: Agency; instrumentality. [ 1913 Webster ]
The ordinary ministry of second causes. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]
The wicked ministry of arms. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. The office, duties, or functions of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. The body of ministers of state; also, the clergy, as a body. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. Administration; rule; term in power; as, the ministry of Pitt. [ 1913 Webster ]