ELDER

I. noun see: alder Date: before 12th century ~berry 2, II. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ieldra, comparative of eald old Date: before 12th century of earlier birth or greater age , of or relating to earlier times ; former , of or relating to a more advanced time of life, prior or superior in rank, office, or validity, III. noun Date: before 12th century one living in an earlier period, 2. one who is older ; senior , an aged person, one having authority by virtue of age and experience , any of various officers of religious groups: as, presbyter 1, a permanent officer elected by a Presbyterian congregation and ordained to serve on the session and assist the pastor at communion, minister 2, a leader of the Shakers, a Mormon ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood, ~ship noun