/dee"keuh nis/ , n.
1. (in certain Protestant churches) a woman belonging to an order or sisterhood dedicated to the care of the sick or poor or who is engaging in other social-service duties, as teaching or missionary work.
2. a woman elected by a church to assist the clergy.
[ 1530-40; earlier deaconisse, part trans., part adoption of LL diaconissa, fem. of diaconus DEACON; see -ESS ]
Usage . See -ess .