Forms: α. 4 soudene, 4–5 sodene, sud(d)ene, 6 sedeane. β. 5–7 subdeane, 6 -de(i)ne, 7 -dean. [a. AF. *sodean, *sudene, *subdene = OF. sou(z)deien (mod. sousdoyen), soubdean, f. sou(s)-, sub- (see SUB- 6) + deien DEAN1, after med.L. subdecānus. Cf. southdene s.v. SOUTH-2.] An official immediately below a dean in rank, and acting as his deputy.

1

  α.  1362.  Langl., P. Pl., A. II. 150. Alle Denes and Sodenes [v.rr. southdenis, sudenes: B. II. 172 MS. C. subdeanes].

2

1483.  Cath. Angl., 371/1. A Svdene, Subdecanus.

3

a. 1529.  Skelton, P. Sparowe, 552. But for the egle doth flye Hyest in the skye, He shall be the sedeane, The quere to demeane.

4

  β.  14[?].  [see α quot. 1362].

5

1506.  Dunfermline Reg. (Bannatyne Club), 375. Subdene of our souerane lordis chapell.

6

a. 1578.  Lindesay (Pitscottie), Chron. Scot. (S.T.S.), I. 200. The archedeine … and subdeine … witht all kynd of wther offieceis pertaining to ane colledge.

7

1643.  Prynne, Rome’s Master-Peece, 29. Dr. Theodor Price, Subdean of Westminster.

8

1670.  G. H., Hist. Cardinals, I. III. 75. The Deans, and Sub-Deans of the Popes Chapel.

9

1715.  Hearne, MS. Diaries, LVIII. lf. 63 b. Dr. Terry, the Subdean of Xt Church.

10

1876.  [see SUBCHANTER].

11

  Hence Subdeanery, the office, position or residence of a subdean.

12

1579.  Reg. Privy Council Scot., Ser. I. III. 139. Maister Andrew Polwart … hes obtenit a presentatioun to himself of the said subdenerie.

13

1786.  J. Bacon, Liber Regis, 1102. Subdeanry [of York], founded anno 1229.

14

1813.  Corresp. W. Fowler (1907), 257. She came to the Subdeanery to see me.

15

1824.  G. Chalmers, Caledonia, III. 680. The subdeanry of Glasgow was taxed 26l. 13s. 4d.

16