n. A writer of one of the four gospels.n. One who lays particular stress upon the gospel and strict adherence to its doctrines, more or less narrowly conceived, in opposition to ecclesiastical usages or traditions; a fervently evangelical Protestant; a Puritan: at the time of the Reformation and later, a term of reproach in the mouths of persons of ecclesiastical or rationalistic sympathies.n. A deacon, or a bishop or priest acting as deacon, at the celebration of the eucharist or holy communion: so called from his office of reading the liturgical gospel, in distinction from the epistler or subdeacon, who reads the epistle. See gospel, n., 5.n. An earnest preacher of the gospel; an evangelist; a missionary.