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 of good

: 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 of well

: 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)