Ad*min"is*ter , n.
Administrator. [Obs.]
Bacon.
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 (&?;), 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.
Hear it pronounced