Minority \Mi*nor"i*ty\, n.; pl. Minorities. [Cf. F. minorit['e]. See Minor, a. & n.]

1. The state of being a minor, or under age.

2. State of being less or small. [Obs.]

--Sir T. Browne.

3. The smaller number; -- opposed to majority; as, the minority must be ruled by the majority.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)