Ärch-dea'con, n.

(-dē'kn), n. [A-S. arcediacon, archidiacon. See ARCH, a., and DEACON.] In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a bishop, by whom he is appointed, though with independent authority. He has a court, the most inferior of ecclesiastical courts, for hearing ecclesiastical causes, and the punishment of offenders by spiritual censures. Blackstone.