archdeacon
[ahrch-dee-kuh n]
- an ecclesiastic, ranking next below a bishop and having charge of the temporal and external administration of a diocese, with jurisdiction delegated from the bishop.
- Roman Catholic Church. a title of honor conferred only on a member of a cathedral chapter.
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Origin of archdeacon
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
bishop, pastor, vicar, confessor, curate, preacher, abbot, rector, dean, divine, ecclesiastic, chaplain, prelate, lecturer, shepherd, cleric, clerk, missionary, monk, deaconExamples from the Web for archdeacon
Contemporary Examples
Later, she was made an Archdeacon after her work with the homeless in Dublin.
Historical Examples
We advise you to communicate with the nearest Rural Dean or Archdeacon.
"We've been, sir," said the Archdeacon, and then followed an explanation of the Bishop's powerlessness.
The ChristianHall Caine
I think I've heard that sentiment before somewhere, Mr. Archdeacon.
The ChristianHall Caine
"Pardon me, Mr. Archdeacon, we have nothing to do with that," said the Minister.
The ChristianHall Caine
It included Archdeacon Wealthy, who served as its spokesman.
The ChristianHall Caine
archdeacon
- an Anglican clergyman ranking just below a bishop and having supervisory duties under the bishop
- a clergyman of similar rank in other Churches
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for archdeacon
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper