WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ad*min"is*ter
Part of Speech : v. t. [imp. & p. p. Administered; p. pr. & vb. n. Administering.]
Etymology : [OE. aministren, OF. aministrer, F. administer, fr. L. administrare; ad + ministrare to serve. See Minister.]
Definition : 1. To manage or conduct, as public affairs; to direct or superintend the execution, application, or conduct of; as, to administer the government or the state. For forms of government let fools contest: Whate'er is best administered is best. Pope.

2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament. [Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs. Philips. Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known. Macaulay.

3. To apply, as medicine or a remedy; to give, as a dose or something beneficial or suitable. Extended to a blow, a reproof, etc. A noxious drug had been administered to him. Macaulay.

4. To tender, as an oath. Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer. Shak.

5. (Law)

Defn: To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.

Syn. -- To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give out; distribute; furnish.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Ad*min"is*ter
Part of Speech : v. i.
Definition : 1. To contribute; to bring aid or supplies; to conduce; to minister. A fountain . . . administers to the pleasure as well as the plenty of the place. Spectator.

2. (Law)

Defn: To perform the office of administrator; to act officially; as, A administers upon the estate of B.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Ad*min"is*ter
Part of Speech : n.
Definition : Defn: Administrator. [Obs.] Bacon.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913