ˈbȯ(r)sˌhōldə(r), ˈbȯ(r)ˌsō- noun
( -s )
Etymology: by folk etymology (influence of holder ) from earlier borsolder, from (assumed) Middle English borwes alder, borghes alder (whence Anglo-French borghesaldre ), from (assumed) Middle English borwes, borghes of a tithing (from Middle English borwes, borghes of a pledge, gen. of borwe, borgh pledge) + Middle English alder leader, chief, from Old English aldor, ealdor chief, parent, head of a family — more at borrow , alderman
1. : the head person of a tithing
2. : a parish officer in Great Britain corresponding to the petty constable