ministerialis

English

Etymology

From post-classical Latin ministeriālis (“ministerial”). Doublet of ministerial and minstrel.

Noun

ministerialis (plural ministeriales)

  1. (historical) A non-noble (originally unfree) official or retainer under certain feudal systems, especially in the Holy Roman Empire, who had specific military duties to his lord. [from 19th c.]
    • 2016, Peter H. Wilson, The Holy Roman Empire, Penguin, published 2017, page 355:
      Royal officials, recruited from ministeriales, were posted to oversee crown lands, castles, and the growing number of imperial towns that the Staufers also actively promoted.
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