subdeacon

noun

sub·​dea·​con ˌsəb-ˈdē-kən 

: a cleric ranking below a deacon: such as

a

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

b

: an Eastern Orthodox or Armenian cleric in minor orders

c

: a clergyman performing the liturgical duties of a subdeacon

Examples of subdeacon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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