"A gentleman who carries out archidiaconal functions," is the familiar, though vague, definition of an archdeacon in our own time, but a couple of centuries ago that church official had very definite duties and powers.
"Bygone Cumberland and Westmorland"
Daniel Scott
Mrs Pringle, however, would be present, and, as Ferguson said in self-justification, Mrs Pringle was more archidiaconal than any archdeacon living.
"Here and Hereafter"
Barry Pain
It merely takes us round in a circle, telling us that poetry is poetical, that the archdeacon performs archidiaconal functions.
"Matthew Arnold"
George Saintsbury