subdeacon

[ suhb-dee-kuhn, suhb-dee- ]

noun

1. a member of the clerical order next below that of deacon.

subdeacon

/ sʌbˈdiːkənɪt; ˌsʌbˈdiːkən /

noun

1. a cleric who assists at High Mass
2. (formerly) a person ordained to the lowest of the major orders

Derived Forms

• subdeaconate, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdeacon¹

1275–1325; Middle English subdecon, -dekene < Late Latin subdiāconus. See sub-, deacon

Example Sentences

“From 17 to 82,” said an Orthodox subdeacon named Richard Jendras.

From The Daily Beast

Thus, on July 2d, 1814, Vianney received subdeacon's orders and about twelve month's later those of deacon.

From Project Gutenberg

This Ethelwulfe minding in his youth to haue bene a priest, entered into the orders as subdeacon, and as some write, Henrie Hunt.

From Project Gutenberg

On other occasions the girded alb and the amice are often worn by the deacon and subdeacon.

From Project Gutenberg

He there said mass, St. Rusticus performing the part of deacon and Eleutherus that of subdeacon.

From Project Gutenberg

When the pope says mass pontifically the subdeacon is always an auditor.

From Project Gutenberg