[ 'di:k(ə)n ]
■ noun
1》 (in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches) an ordained minister of an order ranking below that of priest.
↘(in some Protestant Churches) a lay officer assisting a minister.
2》 (in the early Church) an appointed minister of charity.
■ verb appoint or ordain as a ~.
Derivatives
~ship noun
Origin
OE diacon , via eccles. L. from Gk diakonos 'servant' (in eccles. Gk 'Christian minister').