U

deaconship

noun

(in hierarchical churches) a member of the clerical order next below that of a priest.
(in other churches) an appointed or elected officer having variously defined duties.
(in Freemasonry) either of two officers in a masonic lodge.

verb (used with object)

to pack (vegetables or fruit) with only the finest pieces or the most attractive sides visible.
to falsify (something); doctor.
to castrate (a pig or other animal).
to read aloud (a line of a psalm, hymn, etc.) before singing it.

noun Christianity

(in the Roman Catholic and other episcopal churches) an ordained minister ranking immediately below a priest
(in Protestant churches) a lay official appointed or elected to assist the minister, esp in secular affairs
Scot the president of an incorporated trade or body of craftsmen in a burgh

Old English deacon, diacon, from Late Latin diaconus, from Greek diakonos “servant of the church, religious official,” literally “servant,” from dia- “thoroughly” + PIE *kon-o-, from root *ken- “to set oneself in motion.”