Ming (Chin., ‘light-bearing’).
1. Taoist enlightenment. According to Lao-tzu, it is attained by realization and acceptance of the return of all things to their proper root (fu). It is to live according to Tao, as rhythm and return.

2. The celestial mandate in Confucianism, the will of heaven (t'ien). Subsequently it came to mean the constraints in the universe which set limits on human action because they are non-negotiable (e.g. what might be called ‘natural laws’).

Ming Imperial Chinese dynasty (1368–1644). It was founded by a Buddhist monk and peasant leader, Chu Yüan-chang (r. 1328–98), who expelled the Mongol Yüan dynasty and unified China by 1382. Under the despotic rule of the early Ming Emperors, China experienced a period of great artistic and intellectual distinction and economic expansion. Decline began in the late 16th century, and in 1644 a rebel leader took Beijing. A Ming general summoned aid from the Qing, who overthrew the dynasty and established their own.

Ming / ming/ • n. the dynasty ruling China 1368–1644 founded by Zhu Yuanzhang (1328–98). ∎  [usu. as adj.] Chinese porcelain made during the rule of the Ming dynasty, characterized by elaborate designs and vivid colors: a priceless Ming vase.

Ming the dynasty ruling China 1368–1644. Also, Chinese porcelain made during the rule of the Ming dynasty, characterized by elaborate designs and vivid colours.