Subdeacon

noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A Catholic clerical rank in the major orders below that of a deacon. historical
  2. 2
    a clergyman an order below deacon; one of the Holy Orders in the unreformed western Christian church and the eastern Catholic Churches but now suppressed in the Roman Catholic Church wordnet
  3. 3
    A Catholic cleric who assists the deacon at High Mass and normally reads the Epistle at the Eucharist. historical
  4. 4
    A layperson who acts as an assistant to the deacon during the celebration of mass.
  5. 5
    The highest of the minor orders below that of a deacon.

Etymology

Originated 1275–1325 from Middle English subdecon and -dekene, from Late Latin subdiāconus. Equivalent to sub- + deacon.

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