[al.der.man] n [ME, fr. OE ealdorman, fr. ealdor parent (fr. eald old) + man--more at old] (bef. 12c) 1: a person governing a kingdom, district, or shire as viceroy for an Anglo-Saxon king
2. a: a magistrate formerly ranking next below the mayor in an English or Irish city or borough b: a high-ranking member of a borough or county council in Ireland or formerly in England chosen by elected members
3: a member of a city legislative body -- al.der.man.ic adj