subdeacon

Meaning

Noun

• A Catholic clerical rank in the major orders below that of a deacon.
• A Catholic cleric who assists the deacon at High Mass and normally reads the Epistle at the Eucharist.
• The highest of the minor orders below that of a deacon

Origin

• Originated 1275–1325 from Middle English subdecon and -dekene, from Late Latin subdiaconus. See sub- + deacon.