deacon
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To place fresh fruit at the top of a barrel or other container, with spoiled or imperfect fruit hidden beneath.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The blanc mange was lumpy, and the strawberries not as ripe as they looked, having been skilfully 'deaconed'.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “deacon” mean?
To place fresh fruit at the top of a barrel or other container, with spoiled or imperfect fruit hidden beneath.
Is “deacon” formal or informal?
deacon is generally slang.