n. 1 head of a government department. 2 clergyman, esp. in the Presbyterian and Nonconformist Churches. 3 diplomat, usu. ranking below an ambassador. o. (usu. foil. by to) help, serve, look after (a person, cause, etc.). s ministerial pstiarial/ adj. [Latin, = servant] Minister of State n. government minister, esp. holding a rank below that of Head of Department.
