mi·nor·i·ty n pl -ties
1 a: the period before attainment of majority
b: the state of being a minor
2: the smaller of two groups constituting a whole: as
a: a group (as in a legislative body) having less than the number of votes necessary for control
b: a group of judges among those hearing an appeal who disagree with the majority's judgment: dissent (3)
c: a group of jurisdictions taking a less widespread approach to or view of a legal question, issue, or problem
3 a: a part of a population differing esp. from the dominant group in some characteristics (as race, sex, or national origin) and often subject to differential treatment
b: a member of a minority
an effort to hire more minorities
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.