deacon

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdiːk(ə)n/

noun

  • (in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches) an ordained minister of an order ranking below that of priest.
  • (in some Nonconformist Churches) a lay officer appointed to assist a minister, especially in secular affairs.
  • historical (in the early church) a minister appointed to administer charity.

verb

[with object]
  • appoint or ordain as a deacon.

Derivatives

deaconship

noun

Origin:

Old English diacon, via ecclesiastical Latin from Greek diakonos 'servant' (in ecclesiastical Greek 'Christian minister')