Etymology:
The term "subdean" derives from the Latin words "sub" (beneath) and "decanus" (dean).
Meaning:
A subdean is an ecclesiastical official who assists the dean of a cathedral or collegiate church in their duties and responsibilities. They are typically second-in-command to the dean.
Origin:
The office of the subdean originated in the early Middle Ages, when cathedrals and collegiate churches began to develop more complex administrative structures. Initially, the subdean was primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day functioning of the church, including the upkeep of the fabric, the maintenance of liturgical services, and the supervision of the choir.
Over time, the role of the subdean expanded, and they became responsible for a wider range of duties, including:
In some jurisdictions, the subdean may also have specific responsibilities related to the cathedral school or the ordination of new priests.
Today, the role of the subdean varies across different denominations and ecclesial contexts. In some cases, they may be a resident canon (i.e., a member of the cathedral chapter) who lives on the cathedral grounds. In other cases, they may be a part-time or full-time employee who works alongside the dean.
Etymology Old English Deán Proto Germanic Dehans Proto Indo European Dheḱ Me
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