- OE. aministren, OF. aministrer, F. administer, fr. L. administrare; ad + ministrare to serve. See Minister
- 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.
- To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament.Let zephyrsadminister their tepid, genial airs.Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known.
- 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.
- To tender, as an oath.Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer.
- LawTo settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give out; distribute; furnish.
