Arch`dea"con (&?;), n.
[AS. arcediacon, archidiacon, L. archidiaconus, fr. Gr. &?;. 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.
Hear it pronounced