elder

³elder

noun

Definition of ELDER

1

: one living in an earlier period

2

a : one who is older : senior <a child trying to please her elders> b : an aged person

3

: one having authority by virtue of age and experience <the village elders>

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

First Known Use of ELDER

before 12th century