Deaconed

/ˈdiːkənd/ verb

Definition

Past tense of 'deacon': to ordain as a deacon or to serve as a deacon.

Etymology

From 'deacon' (noun) used as a verb with the regular '-ed' past tense ending. While less common than the noun, this verbal form emerges in religious texts and historical records.

Kelly Says

The verb 'deaconed' is rarely used in modern English, making it a beautiful example of how some words stay mostly frozen in historical and religious documents while the world moves on around them.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

The verb form 'deaconed' carries the same male-default history as the noun; traditionally applied to men assuming deacon roles in gender-segregated ordination practices.

Inclusive Usage

Use without gendered pronouns or assumptions; specify that persons of any gender may be deaconed.

Inclusive Alternatives

["ordained as deacon","elevated to deacon"]

Empowerment Note

Women's historical exclusion from formal deaconing ceremonies erased their spiritual labor. Modern inclusive language acknowledges that women have performed diaconal work outside formal recognition for centuries.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.