subdeacon

noun

sub·dea·con ˌsəb-ˈdē-kən

: a cleric ranking below a deacon: such as

: a cleric in the lowest of the former major orders of the Roman Catholic Church

: an Eastern Orthodox or Armenian cleric in minor orders

: a clergyman performing the liturgical duties of a subdeacon

Examples of subdeacon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Austere half-hour celebrations have given way in some parishes to regular solemn Masses that require a master of ceremonies, priest, deacon and subdeacon. —

Matthew Walther, WSJ, 22 July 2021 The artist, who trained in mechanical engineering, is now a subdeacon of St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral. —

Dallas News, 4 Mar. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English subdecon, from Anglo-French subdiakene, from Late Latin subdiaconus, from Latin sub- + Late Latin diaconus deacon — more at deacon

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of subdeacon was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century