Hypertext Webster Gateway: "deacon"
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary (easton)
Deacon
Anglicized form of the Greek word diaconos, meaning a "runner,"
"messenger," "servant." For a long period a feeling of mutual
jealousy had existed between the "Hebrews," or Jews proper, who
spoke the sacred language of palestine, and the "Hellenists," or
Jews of the Grecian speech, who had adopted the Grecian
language, and read the Septuagint version of the Bible instead
of the Hebrew. This jealousy early appeared in the Christian
community. It was alleged by the Hellenists that their widows
were overlooked in the daily distribution of alms. This spirit
must be checked. The apostles accordingly advised the disciples
to look out for seven men of good report, full of the Holy
Ghost, and men of practical wisdom, who should take entire
charge of this distribution, leaving them free to devote
themselves entirely to the spiritual functions of their office
(Acts 6:1-6). This was accordingly done. Seven men were chosen,
who appear from their names to have been Hellenists. The name
"deacon" is nowhere applied to them in the New Testament; they
are simply called "the seven" (21:8). Their office was at first
secular, but it afterwards became also spiritual; for among
other qualifications they must also be "apt to teach" (1 Tim. 3:
8-12). Both Philip and Stephen, who were of "the seven,"
preached; they did "the work of evangelists."
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Deacon \Dea"con\, v. t.
With humorous reference to hypocritical posing: To pack
(fruit or vegetables) with the finest specimens on top; to
alter slyly the boundaries of (land); to adulterate or doctor
(an article to be sold), etc. [Colloq., U. S.]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Deacon \Dea"con\, n. [OE. diakne, deakne, deken, AS. diacon,
deacon, L. diaconus, fr. Gr. ? a servant or minister, a
minister of the church; of uncertain origin. In sense 2 prob.
confused with dean.]
1. (Eccl.) An officer in Christian churches appointed to
perform certain subordinate duties varying in different
communions. In the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches,
a person admitted to the lowest order in the ministry,
subordinate to the bishops and priests. In Presbyterian
churches, he is subordinate to the minister and elders,
and has charge of certain duties connected with the
communion service and the care of the poor. In
Congregational churches, he is subordinate to the pastor,
and has duties as in the Presbyterian church.
2. The chairman of an incorporated company. [Scot.]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Deacon \Dea"con\, v. t.
To read aloud each line of (a psalm or hymn) before singing
it, -- usually with off. [Colloq. New. Eng.] See {Line}, v.
t.
Note: The expression is derived from a former custom in the
Congregational churches of New England. It was part of
the office of a deacon to read aloud the psalm given
out, one line at a time, the congregation singing each
line as soon as read; -- called, also, lining out the
psalm.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
deacon
n 1: a Protestant layman who assists the minister [syn: {Protestant
deacon}]
2: a cleric ranking just below a priest in Roman Catholic
churches [syn: {Catholic deacon}]
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