deacon

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 ]

☞ 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. ]

n. (Eccl.) A female deacon; as: (a) (Primitive Ch.) One of an order of women whose duties resembled those of deacons. (b) (Ch. of Eng. and Prot. Epis. Ch.) A woman set apart for church work by a bishop. (c) A woman chosen as a helper in church work, as among the Congregationalists. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being a deacon; office of a deacon; deaconship. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Deaconship. [ 1913 Webster ]