In modern usage, a community of *secular clergy, with extensive parochial rights; these were being eroded from the 10c by the foundation of single-priest churches on individual manors, the latter forming the basis for the later system of parishes. Consequently, many minsters disappeared, though their former presence can be detected in placenames ending in '-minster', e.g. Charminster and Beaminster. Before 1066, the word was used both of secular and monastic communities, but always with the sense of a superior church. [OldEngl. mynster < Lat. monasterium = monastery]
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.