Dēa'con, n.

(dē'kn), n. [Lat. diaconus, from Gr. διάκονος, a servant or minister, a minister of the church, probably from an old διάκειν, διήκειν, to run, hasten, whence διώκειν, to pursue; It., Sp., & Pg. diacono; Fr. & Pr. diacre, Pr. also diague; D. diaken.]

1Sense 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.

2Sense 2. An overseer of the poor; or the master of an incorporated company. [Scot.]