From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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.
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For forms of government let fools contest:
Whate'er is best administered is best. --Pope.
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2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to
administer relief, to administer the sacrament.
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[Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs.
--Philips.
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Justice was administered with an exactness and
purity not before known. --Macaulay.
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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.
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A noxious drug had been administered to him.
--Macaulay.
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4. To tender, as an oath.
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Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer.
--Shak.
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5. (Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a
will, or whose will fails of an executor.
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Syn: To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give
out; distribute; furnish.
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