MINISTER

minister,n. 1. A person acting under another’s authority; an agent. 2. A prominent government officer appointed to manage an executive or administrative department. 3. A diplomatic representative, esp. one ranking below an ambassador. [Cases: Ambassadors and Consuls 1–5.

C.J.S. Ambassadors and Consuls §§ 2–13, 15–30.]

foreign minister. 1. A minister of foreign affairs, who in many countries is equivalent to the U.S. Secretary of State. 2. An ambassador, minister, or envoy from a foreign government. [Cases:

Ambassadors and Consuls 1–5. C.J.S. Ambassadors and Consuls §§ 2–13, 15–30.]

minister plenipotentiary (plen-<<schwa>>-p<<schwa>>-ten-shee-er-ee). A minister ranking below an ambassador but possessing full power and authority as a governmental representative, esp. as an envoy of a sovereign ruler. • This officer is often regarded as the personal representative of a head of state.

public minister.A high diplomatic representative such as an ambassador, envoy, or resident,

but not including a commercial representative such as a consul. [Cases: Ambassadors and Consuls

4. C.J.S. Ambassadors and Consuls §§ 24–25.]

4. A person authorized by a Christian church to perform religious functions. [Cases: Religious Societies 27. C.J.S. Religious Societies § 43.]

[Blacks Law 8th]