Min"is*try (?), n.; pl. Ministries (#). [L. ministerium. See Minister, n., and cf. Mystery a trade.]

1. The act of ministering; ministration; service. "With tender ministry." Thomson.

2. Hence: Agency; instrumentality.

The ordinary ministry of second causes.

The wicked ministry of arms.

3. The office, duties, or functions of a minister, servant, or agent; ecclesiastical, executive, or ambassadorial function or profession.

4. The body of ministers of state; also, the clergy, as a body.

5. Administration; rule; term in power; as, the ministry of Pitt.

• The active practice and education of a particular religion or faith. See also: minister
  
• Government department in a regal system (eg the current UK system)