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(Christianity) A designated minister of charity in the early Church (see Acts 6:1-6).
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(Christianity) By extension, a modern-day member of a church who handles secular and/or administrative duties in a priest's stead, the specifics of which depends on denomination.
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(Orthodoxy, Catholicism) A clergyman ranked directly below a priest, with duties of helping the priests and carrying out parish work.
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(Protestantism) Free Churches: A lay leader of a congregation who assists the pastor.
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(Protestantism) Anglicanism: An ordained clergyperson usually serving a year prior to being ordained presbyter, though in some cases they remain a permanent deacon.
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(Protestantism) Methodism: A separate office from that of minister, neither leading to the other; instead there is a permanent deaconate.
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(Freemasonry) A junior lodge officer.
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(Mormonism) The lowest office in the Aaronic priesthood, generally held by 12 or 13 year old boys or recent converts.
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(US, animal husbandry) A male calf of a dairy breed, so called because they are usually deaconed (see below).
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(Scotland) The chairman of an incorporated company.