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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)