deacon

[ dee-kuhn ]

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.

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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈdeaconˌship, noun

Other Words From

• deacon·ship noun
• under·deacon noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deacon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deacon¹

Old English, ultimately from Greek diakonos servant

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Roles across his long, busy career have included reverend, inspector, captain, sergeant, doctor, coach, sheriff, pastor, mayor, deacon and, notably, Adm.

From Los Angeles Times

“There was a time when he considered becoming a deacon in the Catholic church,” Perras said.

From Seattle Times

May 1996 Episcopal Bishop Walter C. Righter goes on trial in the church for heresy for ordaining an openly gay man as a deacon.

From Seattle Times

“If you are called by God to be an ordained elder or deacon, no church, no institution should step in that way,” Cox said.

From Seattle Times