资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Minority \Mi*nor"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Minorities}. [Cf. F.
   minorit['e]. See {Minor}, a. & n.]
   1. The state of being a minor, or under age.

   2. State of being less or small. [Obs.] --Sir T. Browne.

   3. The smaller number; -- opposed to {majority}; as, the
      minority must be ruled by the majority.