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.
Administer
(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.
Administer
(Ad*min"is*ter), n. Administrator. [Obs.] Bacon.
Administerial
(Ad*min`is*te"ri*al) a. Pertaining to administration, or to the executive part of government.
Administrable
(Ad*min"is*tra*ble) a. Capable of being administered; as, an administrable law.
Administrant
(Ad*min"is*trant) a. [F., p. pr. of administrer. See Administer.] Executive; acting; managing
affairs. — n. One who administers.
