1. 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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
eldership n.
Etymology: OE eldra, rel. to OLD 2. n. any shrub or tree of the genus Sambucus, with white flowers and usu. blue-black or red berries.
Etymology: OE ell{aelig}rn