1. The office, rank, or position of an archdeacon in the Christian church.
Usage: ecclesiastical; formal
2. The period of time during which someone holds the office of archdeacon.
Usage: ecclesiastical; formal

Examples

• He was appointed to the archdeaconship after twenty years of service as a priest.
• During her archdeaconship, she oversaw the administration of several parishes.
• The archdeaconship carries significant responsibilities within the diocesan structure.
• He declined the offer of archdeaconship to continue his missionary work.
• The archdeaconship has been vacant since the previous holder's retirement.