DEACON (2)

Dea″con (?), v. t. To read aloud each line of (a psalm or hymn) before singing it, — usually with off. See Line, v. t. ☞ 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.