Subdean

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) An under dean; the deputy or substitute of a dean.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

There were three kinds of subdeans:

1. The vice-dean.

2. The dean's vicar, his subofficer, assistant when present, and deputy when abseit vicegerent in choir, as at Lichfield both had a similar office, that of supplying the duties of the dean in his absence.

3. The capitular subdean; the perpetual subdean, who is said to hold a place which is a quasi-dignity in the gift of a bishop. He has a stall, and corresponds to the foreign archpriest having parochial charge of the close. The office was founded in Salisbury in 1021. For a full account of his duties ‘ in the several cathedrals, see Walcott, Sacred Archaeol. S.V.