ministerial

a. [ L. ministerialis: cf. F. ministériel. See Minister, and cf. Minstrel. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Of or pertaining to ministry or service; serving; attendant. [ 1913 Webster ]

Enlightening spirits and ministerial flames. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Tending to advance or promote; contributive. “Ministerial to intellectual culture.” De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Official; priestly; sacerdotal; ecclesiastical. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A supporter of the ministers, or the party in power. [ 1913 Webster ]