I. ˈel-dər noun
Etymology: Middle English eldre, from Old English ellærn; perhaps akin to Old English alor alder — more at alder
Date: before 12th century
: elderberry 2
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ieldra, comparative of eald old
Date: before 12th century
1. : of earlier birth or greater age
his elder brother
2. : of or relating to earlier times : former
3. archaic : of or relating to a more advanced time of life
4. : prior or superior in rank, office, or validity
III. 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 -ˌship noun