first minister

== English == === Alternative forms === First Minister === Noun === first minister (plural first ministers) The principal minister of a ruler or state. [from 17th c.] (Canada, often in plural) The prime minister or a provincial or territorial premier. (UK politics) A leader of a devolved government such as Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. ==== Usage notes ==== The chief officer of the executive branch of the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales is now styled a first minister; historically, the title was used of the head of the British government as well as of analogous posts in various other countries. In Canada it is usually used when considering the federal prime minister and provincial and territorial premiers collectively, e.g. first ministers' conference. ==== Related terms ==== prime minister deputy first minister chief minister menteri besar (Malaysia) ==== Translations ==== === Further reading === First Minister of Scotland on Wikipedia.Wikipedia First Minister of Wales on Wikipedia.Wikipedia