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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Ad*min"is*ter, n.
Administrator.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
© Webster 1913.