archdeacon Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (Anglican Church) an ecclesiastical dignitary usually ranking just below a bishop

WordNet

Arch`dea"con noun
Etymology
AS. arcediacon, archidiacon, L. archidiaconus, fr. Gr. . See Arch-, pref., and Deacon.
Definitions
  1. 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.

Webster 1913