an ecclesiastical dignitary or officer, next to a bishop, whose jurisdiction extends either over the whole diocese or only a part of it. Archdeacons are appointed by their respective bishops, and by § 27, 3d and 4th Vict., c. 27, they must have been six full years in priests' orders. Their duty is to visit their archdeaconries from time to time; to see that the churches and chancel are kept in repair, and everything done conformably to the canons, and to receive from the churchwardens representations of any matters of public scandal.

The visitation of the archdeacon may be held yearly, but is imperative every third year. The income attached to the office is very inconsiderable, but it is generally held by persons who are possessed of benefices and other preferments in the church. There were formerly 60 archdeacons in England and Wales, but by 6th and 7th Will. IV., c. 97, seven new archdeaconries were established.

Archdeacon's Court is the lowest court in the ecclesiastical polity. It is held, in the archdeacon's absence, before a judge appointed by himself, and called his official; and its jurisdiction is sometimes in concurrence with, sometimes in exclusion of, the bishop's court of the diocese. But, by statute 24th Henry VIII., c. 12, there lies an appeal from this court to that of the bishop. By the act of Will. IV., above cited, it is now, however, enacted that all archdeacons throughout England and Wales shall enjoy full and equal jurisdiction within their several archdeaconries.