Ad*min"is*ter (&?;), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Administered (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n.
Administering.] [OE. aministren, OF. aministrer, F.
administer, fr. L. administrare; ad +
ministrare to serve. See Minister.] 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) 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.
Ad*min"is*ter, v. i. 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) To perform the office of
administrator; to act officially; as, A administers upon the estate
of B.
Ad*min"is*ter, n. Administrator.
[Obs.] Bacon.
