Administer

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

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.

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.