<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the service, functions, or profession of a minister of religion.</li><li>the body or class of ministers of religion; clergy.</li><li>the service, function, or office of a minister of state.</li><li>the body of ministers of state.</li><li>(usually initial capital letter) any of the administrative governmental departments of certain countries usually under the direction of a minister of state.</li><li>(usually initial capital letter) the building that houses such an administrative department.</li><li>the term of office of a minister of state.</li><li>an act or instance of ministering; ministration; service.</li><li>something that serves as an agency, instrument, or means.</li></ul>