Administer

imp. & p. p. Administered; p. pr. & vb. n. Administering

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.

2. To dispense; to serve out; to supply; execute; as, to administer relief, to administer the sacrament.

   [Let zephyrs] administer their tepid, genial airs.

   Justice was administered with an exactness and purity not before known.

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.

4. To tender, as an oath.

   Swear . . . to keep the oath that we administer.

5. To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor. (Law)

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.

2. To perform the office of administrator; to act officially; as, A administers upon the estate of B. (Law)

1. Administrator. [Obs.]