| Archdeacon (n.) An administrator of the affairs of a diocese; In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a bishop, whom he assists, and by whom he is appointed, though with independent authority. Thesaurus Entries Grand Penitentiary, Holy Father, abuna, antipope, archdeacon, archpriest, bishop, bishop coadjutor, canon, cardinal, cardinal bishop, cardinal deacon, cardinal priest, chaplain, coadjutor, curate, dean, diocesan, ecclesiarch, exarch, hierarch, high priest, metropolitan, papa, patriarch, penitentiary, pontiff, pope, prebendary, prelate, primate, rector, rural dean, subdean, suffragan, vicar |