deaconess
[dee-kuh-nis]
- (in certain Protestant churches) a woman belonging to an order or sisterhood dedicated to the care of the sick or poor or who is engaging in other social-service duties, as teaching or missionary work.
- a woman elected by a church to assist the clergy.
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Origin of deaconess
Usage note
See -ess.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for deaconess
Historical Examples of deaconess
The field of work of the deaconess in modern times is a large one.
Deaconesses in EuropeJane M. Bancroft
The deaconess institutions have the good features, but have avoided the ill.
Deaconesses in EuropeJane M. Bancroft
Adjoining the hall, at the west end, was built the deaconess house.
Deaconesses in EuropeJane M. Bancroft
In marked contrast to Dettelsau is the deaconess house at Berne.
Deaconesses in EuropeJane M. Bancroft
The deaconess home has also branches of work in different parts of France.
Deaconesses in EuropeJane M. Bancroft
deaconess
- Christianity (in the early church and in some modern Churches) a female member of the laity with duties similar to those of a deacon
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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