- Administer
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
For forms of government let fools contest: Whate'er is best administered is best. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament. [1913 Webster]
[Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs. --Philips. [1913 Webster]
Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
A noxious drug had been administered to him. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
4. To tender, as an oath. [1913 Webster]
Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
5. (Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To manage; conduct; minister; supply; dispense; give out; distribute; furnish. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
