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

Other Word Forms

• subdeaconate noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdeacon¹

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

Example Sentences

His remarks to Nettavisen were jarring to many, who found them sharply contrasting with Gushchin’s position as a subdeacon in the Russian Orthodox Church.

From Seattle Times

The church says Ishak served as a sacristan, opening and closing the church, as well as a subdeacon, assisting at services.

From Washington Times

Then, in 1478, he was appointed as a subdeacon, a post two orders lower than a priest, likely in Durham, a city in the north of England.

From Time

It consisted of one bishop, forty-six presbyters, seven deacons, seven subdeacons, forty-two acolytes, fifty-two exorcists, readers, and janitors.

From Project Gutenberg

According to the actual use of the Roman Catholic Church dalmatic and tunicle are worn by deacon and subdeacon when assisting at High Mass, and at solemn processions and benedictions.

From Project Gutenberg