First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
deacon
noun dea·con \ˈdē-kən\
: an official in some Christian churches whose rank is just below a priest
: a member of some Christian churches who has special duties
Full Definition of DEACON
: a subordinate officer in a Christian church: as a : a Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox cleric ranking next below a priest b : one of the laymen elected by a church with congregational polity to serve in worship, in pastoral care, and on administrative committees c : a Mormon in the lowest grade of the Aaronic priesthood
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Origin of DEACON
Middle English dekene, from Old English dēacon, from Late Latin diaconus, from Greek diakonos, literally, servant, from dia- + -konos (akin to enkonein to be active); perhaps akin to Latin conari to attempt
Related to DEACON
Other Christian Religious Terms
DEACON Defined for Kids
deacon
noun dea·con \ˈdē-kən\
Definition of DEACON for Kids
1
: an official in some Christian churches ranking just below a priest
2
: a church member in some Christian churches who has special duties
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