Deaconess
/ˌdiːkəˈnɛs/noun
A woman serving in a diaconal or assistant-ministerial role in a Christian church.
Did you know?In the early Christian world, women called deaconesses assisted with the baptism and pastoral care of women, especially where modesty required female attendants.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
διάκονος (diákonos)
“Servant, attendant, or minister; the exact deeper origin of the word is uncertain.”
Late Ancient Greek
Greek
διακόνισσα (diakónissa)
“Female deacon or woman serving in a Christian ministry.”
Late Latin
Latin
diaconissa
“A female deacon, borrowed from Greek Christian usage.”
Old English / Medieval Latin influence
English
deaconess
“A woman holding or associated with the office of a deacon.”
Modern English
English
deaconess
“A woman serving in a diaconal role, especially in certain Christian denominations.”