Mid 16th century. From sub- + minister. Compare post-classical Latin subminister, Middle French soubministre, French sous-ministre kind of servant, deputy minister.
Definition of subminister in US English:
subminister
nounˌsʌbˈmɪnɪstə
A subordinate or deputy minister.
Origin
Mid 16th century. From sub- + minister. Compare post-classical Latin subminister, Middle French soubministre, French sous-ministre kind of servant, deputy minister.