From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Deacon \Dea"con\ (d[=e]"k'n), v. t.
1. To read aloud each line of (a psalm or hymn) before
singing it, -- usually with off. [Colloq. New. Eng.] See
{Line}, v. t.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The expression is derived from a former custom in the
Congregational churches of New England. It was part of
the office of a deacon to read aloud the psalm given
out, one line at a time, the congregation singing each
line as soon as read; -- called, also, lining out the
psalm.
[1913 Webster]
2. With humorous reference to hypocritical posing: To pack
(fruit or vegetables) with the finest specimens on top; to
alter slyly the boundaries of (land); to adulterate or
doctor (an article to be sold), etc. [Colloq., U. S.]
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Deacon \Dea"con\ (d[=e]"k'n), n. [OE. diakne, deakne, deken, AS.
diacon, deacon, L. diaconus, fr. Gr. dia`konos a servant or
minister, a minister of the church; of uncertain origin. In
sense 2 prob. confused with dean.]
1. (Eccl.) An officer in Christian churches appointed to
perform certain subordinate duties varying in different
communions. In the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches,
a person admitted to the lowest order in the ministry,
subordinate to the bishops and priests. In Presbyterian
churches, he is subordinate to the minister and elders,
and has charge of certain duties connected with the
communion service and the care of the poor. In
Congregational churches, he is subordinate to the pastor,
and has duties as in the Presbyterian church.
[1913 Webster]
2. The chairman of an incorporated company. [Scot.]
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
deacon
n 1: a Protestant layman who assists the minister [syn:
{deacon}, {Protestant deacon}]
2: a cleric ranking just below a priest in Christian churches;
one of the Holy Orders
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