Mi-nŏr'i-ty, n.

n. [Fr. minorité, Pr. menoretat, Sp. minoridad, It. minorità. See MINOR.]

1. The state of being a minor, or under age. See MINOR.
2. The smaller number; as, the minority of the Senate or House of Representatives; — opposed to majority; as, the minority was large or small; he was in the minority; the minority must be ruled by the majority.