n.
Function: noun
Date: before 12th century
1 : one living in an earlier period
2 a : one who is older : SENIOR <a child trying to please her elder s > b : an aged person
3 : one having authority by virtue of age and experience <the village elder s >
4 : any of various officers of religious groups: as a : PRESBYTER 1 b : a permanent officer elected by a Presbyterian congregation and ordained to serve on the session and assist the pastor at communion c : MINISTER 2 d : a leader of the Shakers e : a Mormon ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood
– el · der · ship \ - ˌ ship \ noun