Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Administer \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.