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