Definitions for: Deacon


[n] a cleric ranking just below a priest in Roman Catholic churches
[n] a Protestant layman who assists the minister



Webster (1913) Definition: Dea"con, n. [OE. diakne, deakne, deken, AS. diacon,
deacon, L. diaconus, fr. Gr. ? a servant or minister, a
minister of the church; of uncertain origin. In sense 2 prob.
confused with dean.]
1. (Eccl.) An officer in Christian churches appointed to
perform certain subordinate duties varying in different
communions. In the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches,
a person admitted to the lowest order in the ministry,
subordinate to the bishops and priests. In Presbyterian
churches, he is subordinate to the minister and elders,
and has charge of certain duties connected with the
communion service and the care of the poor. In
Congregational churches, he is subordinate to the pastor,
and has duties as in the Presbyterian church.

2. The chairman of an incorporated company. [Scot.]


Dea"con, v. t.
To read aloud each line of (a psalm or hymn) before singing
it, -- usually with off. [Colloq. New. Eng.] See Line, v.
t.

Note: The expression is derived from a former custom in the
Congregational churches of New England. It was part of
the office of a deacon to read aloud the psalm given
out, one line at a time, the congregation singing each
line as soon as read; -- called, also, lining out the
psalm.


Dea"con, v. t.
With humorous reference to hypocritical posing: To pack
(fruit or vegetables) with the finest specimens on top; to
alter slyly the boundaries of (land); to adulterate or doctor
(an article to be sold), etc. [Colloq., U. S.]

Synonyms: Catholic deacon, Protestant deacon

See Also: church officer, clergyman, deaconess, man of the cloth, reverend

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