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.
© Webster 1913.