— deaconship , n.
/dee"keuhn/ , n.
1. (in hierarchical churches) a member of the clerical order next below that of a priest.
2. (in other churches) an appointed or elected officer having variously defined duties.
3. (in Freemasonry) either of two officers in a masonic lodge.
v.t.
4. to pack (vegetables or fruit) with only the finest pieces or the most attractive sides visible.
5. to falsify (something); doctor.
6. to castrate (a pig or other animal).
7. to read aloud (a line of a psalm, hymn, etc.) before singing it.
[ bef. 900; ME deken, OE diacon diaconus diákonos servant, minister, deacon, equiv. to dia- DIA- + -konos service ]