minIsterIal

[Fr. ministériel, from min istre a minister (q. v.); Sp. ministerial; Italian minister i ale.] 1. Of or pertaining to ministering or the performance of services; attendant for service; acting at command. 2. Pertaining to a minister of state, acting as a minister; pertaining to executive offices, as distinct from judicial. "It was his part to direct and order well, but the part of others to perform the ministerial offices." -Baker : Charles I. (an. 1628). 3. Pertaining to ministers of the gospel; sacer dotal; used in divine worship; as, ministerial dre . 4. Occupied by ministers of state. "Very solid and very brilliant talents distinguished the ministerial benches."-Burke: Appeal from the New to the Old Whigs. *5. Tending to promote, aid, or advance a result or end; aiding, promoting. "Enlight'ning spirits, and ministerial flames." Prior: Solomon , ii. 642.