1. a member of the clergy ranking below a priest in Christian churches
2. a lay official in some Protestant churches who assists the minister

Examples

• The deacon assisted the priest during the Sunday service.
• She was ordained as a deacon before becoming a full priest.
• The church deacon helped distribute communion to the congregation.
• He served as a deacon for over twenty years.
• The deacon visited sick members of the parish.
• Three deacons were chosen to help with church administration.