Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
MINISTER
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English ministre, from Anglo-French, from Latin minister servant; akin to Latin minor smaller
Date: 14th century
agent ,
2. one officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship, a clergyman especially of a Protestant communion,
3. the superior of one of several religious orders, the assistant to the rector or the bursar of a Jesuit house, a high officer of state entrusted with the management of a division of governmental activities,
5. a diplomatic representative (as an ambassador) accredited to the court or seat of government of a foreign state, a diplomatic representative ranking below an ambassador,
II. intransitive verb (-tered; ministering)
Date: 14th century
to function as a minister of religion, to give aid or service