diaconate

[ dahy-ak-uh-nit, -neyt ]

/ daɪˈæk ə nɪt, -ˌneɪt /

the office or dignity of a deacon.

a body of deacons.

Origin of diaconate

From the Late Latin word diāconātus, dating back to 1720–30. See deacon, -ate³

That system was adopted probably about the middle of the 3rd century, but in Rome the diaconate probably remained centralized.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 8 |Various
The diaconate, the presbyter, priest or elder, and the επισκοπος or bishop.

Mysticism and its Results |John Delafield
It might well be made a text-book for candidates for the diaconate, or at least in theological colleges.

Thoughts on Religion |George John Romanes
Leontius intended his diaconate to be a means of propagating Arianism.

The Lives of the Saints, Volume III (of 16): March |Sabine Baring-Gould

So early do well-taught Yankee children develop one qualification for the diaconate.

A Rambler's lease |Bradford Torrey

diaconate

/ (daɪˈækənɪt, -ˌneɪt) /

the office, sacramental status, or period of office of a deacon

C17: from Late Latin diāconātus; see deacon