Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Administer

Administer ({not transcribed}) , transitive verb

[Old English aministren, Old French aministrer, French administer, from Latin 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. — Shakespeare
5.
(Law) To settle, as the estate of one who dies without a will, or whose will fails of an executor.

Administer , intransitive verb

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 , noun

Administrator. [Obsolete] — Bacon