[el.der] n [ME eldre, fr. OE ellaern; perh. akin to OE alor alder--more at alder] (bef. 12c): elderberry
2.
[2]elder adj [ME, fr. OE ieldra, compar. of eald old] (bef. 12c) 1: of earlier birth or greater age "his ~ brother"
2: of or relating to earlier times: former 3 obs: of or relating to a more advanced time of life
4: prior or superior in rank, office, or validity [3]elder n (bef. 12c) 1: one living in an earlier period
2. a: one who is older: senior "a child trying to please her ~s" b: an aged person
3: one having authority by virtue of age and experience "the village ~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 n