01 n. A servant; a subordinate; an officer or assistant of inferior rank; hence, an agent, an instrument.
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1.
A servant; a subordinate; an officer or assistant of inferior rank; hence, an agent, an instrument.“Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua.” — Ex. xxiv. 13.“I chose Camillo for the minister, to poison My friend Polixenes.” — Shak.
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2.
An officer of justice.[Obs.]“I cry out the on the ministres, quod he, That shoulde keep and rule this cité.” — Chaucer.
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3.
One to whom the sovereign or executive head of a government intrusts the management of affairs of state, or some department of such affairs.“Ministers to kings, whose eyes, ears, and hands they are, must be answerable to God and man.” — Bacon.
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4.
A representative of a government, sent to the court, or seat of government, of a foreign nation to transact diplomatic business.
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5.
One who serves at the altar; one who performs sacerdotal duties; the pastor of a church duly authorized or licensed to preach the gospel and administer the sacraments.