archdeacon

[ahrch-dee-kuh n]

See more synonyms for archdeacon on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

Origin of archdeacon

before 1000; Middle English archideken, Old English arcediacon < Late Latin archidiāconus < Greek archidiā́konos. See arch-¹, deacon

Related formsarch·dea·con·ate, arch·dea·con·ship, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for archdeacon

bishop, pastor, vicar, confessor, curate, preacher, abbot, rector, dean, divine, ecclesiastic, chaplain, prelate, lecturer, shepherd, cleric, clerk, missionary, monk, deacon

Examples from the Web for archdeacon

Contemporary Examples of archdeacon

Later, she was made an Archdeacon after her work with the homeless in Dublin.
9 Crazy Sinead O’Connor Moments
Tricia Romano
February 20, 2012

Historical Examples of archdeacon

We advise you to communicate with the nearest Rural Dean or Archdeacon.
Punch or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, December 9, 1914
Various
"We've been, sir," said the Archdeacon, and then followed an explanation of the Bishop's powerlessness.
The Christian
Hall Caine
I think I've heard that sentiment before somewhere, Mr. Archdeacon.
The Christian
Hall Caine
"Pardon me, Mr. Archdeacon, we have nothing to do with that," said the Minister.
The Christian
Hall Caine
It included Archdeacon Wealthy, who served as its spokesman.
The Christian
Hall Caine

British Dictionary definitions for archdeacon

archdeacon

noun

an Anglican clergyman ranking just below a bishop and having supervisory duties under the bishop
a clergyman of similar rank in other Churches

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for archdeacon

Old English arcediacon, from Church Latin archidiaconus, from Ecclesiastical Greek arkhidiakonon "chief deacon;" see arch- + deacon.