| Definition: | | \Arch`dea"con\, n. [AS. arcediacon, archidiacon, L.
archidiaconus, fr. Gr. ?. See {Arch-}, pref., and {Deacon}.]
In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a
bishop, whom he assists, and by whom he is appointed, though
with independent authority. --Blackstone.
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