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Webster 1913 Edition

Archdeacon

Archˊdea′con

,
Noun.
[AS.
arcediacon
,
archidiacon
, L.
archidiaconus
, fr. Gr. [GREEK]. See
Arch-
,
pref
.,
and
Deacon
.]
In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a bishop, whom he assists, and by whom he is appointed, though with independent authority.
Blackstone.

Webster 1828 Edition

Archdeacon

ARCHDE'ACON

,
Noun.
[See Deacon.]
In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a bishop, who has jurisdiction either over a part or over the whole diocese. He is usually appointed by the bishop, and has an authority originally derived from the bishop, but now independent of him. He has a court, the most inferior of ecclesiastical courts, for hearing ecclesiastical causes, and the punishment of offenders by spiritual censures.

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