one's elders and betters

:  elderberry

:  of earlier birth or greater age

:  of or relating to earlier times :  former

:  of or relating to a more advanced time of life

:  one living in an earlier period

:  one who is older :  senior

:  an aged person

: comparative ofgood

:  greater than half

:  improved in health or mental attitude

:  to make better (see ¹better): such as

:  to make more tolerable or acceptable

:  to make more complete or perfect

: comparative ofwell

:  in a more excellent manner

:  to greater advantage :  preferably

:  something better (see ¹better)

:  a superior especially in merit or rank

:  advantage, victory

:  had better (see ³better 1b)