n. [ OE. diakne, deakne, deken, AS. diacon, deacon, L. diaconus, fr. Gr. dia`konos 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The chairman of an incorporated company. [ Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. 1. To read aloud each line of (a psalm or hymn) before singing it, -- usually with off. [ Colloq. New. Eng. ] See Line, v. t. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. 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. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. (Eccl.) A female deacon; as: (a) (Primitive Ch.) One of an order of women whose duties resembled those of deacons. (b) (Ch. of Eng. and Prot. Epis. Ch.) A woman set apart for church work by a bishop. (c) A woman chosen as a helper in church work, as among the Congregationalists. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being a deacon; office of a deacon; deaconship. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Deaconship. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The office or ministry of a deacon or deaconess. [ 1913 Webster ]