deacon

American  

[dee-kuhn] / ˈdi kən /

noun

1. (in hierarchical churches) a member of the clerical order next below that of a priest.

2. (in other churches) an appointed or elected officer having variously defined duties.

3. (in Freemasonry) either of two officers in a masonic lodge.

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verb (used with object)

1. to pack (vegetables or fruit) with only the finest pieces or the most attractive sides visible.

2. to falsify (something); doctor.

3. to castrate (a pig or other animal).

4. to read aloud (a line of a psalm, hymn, etc.) before singing it.

deacon British  

/ ˈdiːkən /

noun

1. (in the Roman Catholic and other episcopal churches) an ordained minister ranking immediately below a priest

2. (in Protestant churches) a lay official appointed or elected to assist the minister, esp in secular affairs

3. the president of an incorporated trade or body of craftsmen in a burgh

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Other Word Forms

• deaconship noun
• underdeacon noun

Etymology

Origin of deacon

before 900; Middle English deken, Old English diacon < Late Latin diāconus < Greek diā́konos servant, minister, deacon, equivalent to diā- dia- + -konos service

Example Sentences

Priests and deacons have marched at rallies and prayed for those detained and deported from Orange County to downtown L.A. and beyond.

From Los Angeles Times

The family sang gospel music and were active in the Church of God in Christ, where K.C. was a deacon.

From Los Angeles Times

"We hope he'll continue with Francis's agenda going forward," said Rick Stevens, a Catholic deacon from New Jersey who happened to be visiting Chicago when he heard the news.

From BBC

The 82-year-old military veteran and church deacon received no warnings to evacuate before the Eaton fire swept through his neighborhood, his daughter said.

From Los Angeles Times

Advocates for greater roles for women in the Church had hoped the synod might call for women to serve as deacons.

From BBC