What does "ministry" mean?

Ministry: Hence: Agency; instrumentality. The ordinary ministry of second causes. Atterbury. The wicked ministry of arms. Dryden.

Additional senses

  1. 2.The office, duties, or functions of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession.
  2. 3.The body of ministers of state; also, the clergy, as a body.
  3. 4.Administration; rule; term in power; as, the ministry of Pitt.

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