Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Administer?

\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.