deaconry

noun

dea·​con·​ry

-kənrē

plural -es

1

: diaconate

2

Roman Catholicism : a chapel in the city of Rome under the care of a cardinal deacon

also : the charitable institution to which it was formerly attached

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dekenry, from dekne, dekene deacon + -ry

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!