Main Entry: agency
Function: noun
Date: 1640

1 a : the office or function of an agent b : the relationship between a principal and that person's agent
2 : the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power : OPERATION
3 : a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved : INSTRUMENTALITY *communicated through the agency of the ambassador*
4 : an establishment engaged in doing business for another *an advertising agency*
5 : an administrative division (as of a government) *the agency for consumer protection*

Main Entry: administer
Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English administren, from Anglo-French administrer, from Latin administrare, from ad- + ministrare to serve, from minister servant — more at MINISTER
Date: 14th century

transitive verb
1 : to manage or supervise the execution, use, or conduct of *administer a trust fund*
2 a : to mete out : DISPENSE *administer punishment* b : to give ritually *administer the last rites* c : to give remedially *administer a dose of medicine*
intransitive verb
1 : to perform the office of administrator
2 : to furnish a benefit : MINISTER *administer to an ailing friend*
3 : to manage affairs