minor order
noun
,
Roman Catholic Church
1.
the degree or grade of acolyte, exorcist, lector, or ostiary.
Compare
major order
.
Origin
1835-45
British Dictionary definitions for
minor orders
minor orders
plural noun
1.
(
RC Church
) the four lower degrees of holy orders, namely porter, exorcist, lector, and acolyte
Compare
major orders