ARCHDEACON

archdeacon. Archdeacon, n. a chief deacon, a bishop's deputy

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Arch′dea″con (�), n. [[AS. arcediacon, archidiacon, L. archidiaconus, fr. Gr. �. See Arch-, pref., and Deacon.]] In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a bishop, whom he assists, and by whom he is appointed, though with independent authority. Blackstone.