archdeacon

[ ahrch-dee-kuhn ]

noun

1. an ecclesiastic, ranking next below a bishop and having charge of the temporal and external administration of a diocese, with jurisdiction delegated from the bishop.
2. Roman Catholic Church. a title of honor conferred only on a member of a cathedral chapter.

archdeacon

/ ˈɑːtʃˈdiːkən /

noun

1. an Anglican clergyman ranking just below a bishop and having supervisory duties under the bishop
2. a clergyman of similar rank in other Churches

Other Words From

• archdeacon·ate archdeacon·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of archdeacon¹

before 1000; Middle English archideken, Old English arcediacon < Late Latin archidiāconus < Greek archidiā́konos. See arch- ¹, deacon

Example Sentences

Later, she was made an Archdeacon after her work with the homeless in Dublin.

From The Daily Beast

The archdeacon speaks of spiritual geniuses, "geniuses in the region in which man holds communion with God."

From Project Gutenberg

This last circumstance struck the archdeacon with amazement, and increased his fears for the peace of the city.

From Project Gutenberg

The tone of conviction, the imposing authority of the archdeacon's character, left a profound impression upon the man.

From Project Gutenberg

The archdeacon, not daring to contradict the bishop, seeing the bishop spoke the truth, lowered his head in mute pain.

From Project Gutenberg

"I implore you, yield to these wise words," now put in the archdeacon addressing Gaudry.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bishop
• pastor