Now rare or Obs. [f. SUB- 6 + MINISTER sb. Cf. med.L. subminister, F. sous-ministre, formerly + soubministre.] A subordinate or deputy minister.
1565. Harding, Answ. Jewel, 98. [Calvin’s] disciple and subminister Thoodore Beza.
1687. Settle, Refl. Dryden, 55. Why may not we suppose Subministers of the Fates to write their actions, some under Clarks to the Committee of Destinies?
c. 1800. R. Cumberland, John de Lancaster (1809), III. 200. The name of the sub-minister was now announced to Major Wilson.
1820. Ranken, Hist. France, VIII. i. § 2. 58. Tellier and Servien, subministers of Mazarin.
1823. Bentham, Not Paul, 371. As to Apollos, if so it was, that,… in the mind of our spiritual monarch, any such sentiment as jealousy, in regard to this sub-minister had place.
