1. Eccles. law. In certain churches, a member of the clerical order who assists the priest in various duties, including the presentation of the sacrament. • It is the third order of the Church of England below bishops and priests. A deacon is not allowed to consecrate the Holy Communion or pronounce absolution but can perform most of the other priestly duties.
2. An elected or appointed officer of a church who assists a minister or priest in various duties.
