In dioceses of the fourth century and later, head of a college of presbyters as special representative of the bishop; also, in larger rural localities or in extensive dioceses in the West, head of the central mother-church or a diocesan subdivision or deanery. Union of several of either constituted an archidiaconate whose individual deans or archpriests were subject to the archdeacon. In time this office underwent varying local changes; since the Council of Trent the duties of archpriest have been largely assumed by deans.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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