adj. & n.
attrib.adj. (of two indicated persons, esp. when related) senior; of a greater age (my elder brother).
n. (often prec. by the) 1 the older or more senior of two indicated (esp. related) persons (which is the elder?; is my elder by ten years). 2 (in pl.) a persons of greater age or seniority (respect your elders). b persons venerable because of age. 3 a person advanced in life. 4 hist. a member of a senate or governing body. 5 an official in the early Christian, Presbyterian, or Mormon Churches. elder brother (pl. elder brethren) Brit. each of thirteen senior members of Trinity House. elder hand Cards the first player. elder statesman an influential experienced person, esp. a politician, of advanced age. eldership n.
[ OE eldra, rel. to OLD ]