Main Entry: al·der·man

Pronunciation: \ˈȯl-dər-mən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ealdorman, from ealdor parent (from eald old) + man — more at old

Date: before 12th century

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 \ˌȯl-dər-ˈma-nik\ adjective