minister

Person acting as agent for another in performance of specified duties or orders. A person ordained according to the usages of some church or associated body of Christians for the preaching of the gospel and filling the pastoral office.

In England, holder of government office; e.g. Prime Minister. Foreign minister. An ambassador, minister, or envoy from a foreign government.

International law.

An officer appointed by the government of one nation as a mediator or arbitrator between two other nations who are engaged in a controversy, with their consent, with a view to effecting an amicable adjustment of the dispute. A general name given to the diplomatic representatives sent by one state to another, including ambassadors, envoys, and residents.

Public law.

One of the highest functionaries in the organization of civil government, standing next to the sovereign or executive head, acting as his immediate auxiliary, and being generally charged with the administration of one of the great bureaus or departments of the executive branch of government. In England, otherwise called a "cabinet minister," "secretary of state," or "secretary of a department".

See also ministry

@ public minister

A general term comprehending all the higher classes of diplomatic representatives,-as ambassadors, envoys, residents,-but not including the commercial representatives, such as consuls

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