D defs.my
Entry 5 senses Webster, 1913

Ministry

/mĭn'-əs-trē/ · Min·is·try · IPA /ˈmɪnɪstɹi/
01 n. The act of ministering; ministration; service.
  1. 1.
    The act of ministering; ministration; service.
  2. 2.
    Agency; instrumentality.
    “The ordinary ministry of second causes.” Atterbury.
    “The wicked ministry of arms.” Dryden.
  3. 3.
    The office, duties, or functions of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession.
  4. 4.
    The body of ministers of state; also, the clergy, as a body.
  5. 5.
    Administration; rule; term in power; as, the ministry of Pitt.