Hypertext Webster Gateway: "ministry"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Ministry \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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
ministry
n 1: religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
2: building where the business of a government ministry is
transacted
3: a government department under the direction of a minister
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