Min`is*te"ri*al (?), a. [L. ministerialis: cf. F. minist'eriel. See Minister, and cf. Minstrel.]
1. Of or pertaining to ministry or service; serving; attendant.
Enlightening spirits and ministerial flames.
Prior.
2. Of or pertaining to the office of a minister or to the ministry as a body, whether civil or sacerdotal. "Ministerial offices." Bacon. "A ministerial measure." Junius. "Ministerial garments."
Hooker.
3. Tending to advance or promote; contributive. "Ministerial to intellectual culture."
De Quincey.
The ministerial benches, the benches in the House of Commons occupied by members of the cabinet and their supporters; -- also, the persons occupying them. "Very solid and very brilliant talents distinguish the ministerial benches."
Burke.
Syn. -- Official; priestly; sacerdotal; ecclesiastical.
© Webster 1913. | 
