/ˈeldə/, /ˈɛldə/, /ˈɛldɚ/
OriginFrom Middle English eldre, from Old English eldra, yldra, ieldra, from Proto-Germanic *alþizô. The vowel change from a to e triggered by the following i is called umlaut or I-mutation.
- comparative, form-ofcomparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.
“It's typical for elder married couples to live in retirement homes.”
“The elder of the two was also an elder statesman.”
“She removed Stranleigh’s coat with a dexterity that aroused his imagination. The elder woman returned with dressings and a sponge, which she placed on a chair.”
- A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected as an authority figure, especially in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.
“We were presented to the village elder.”
“At the friendship centre, you can arrange to meet with a social worker or an elder.”
“People saw in the elders, who were closer to death, the manifestation of the divine force that was thought to achieve its full liberation at death.”
- USAn old person.
“Treating illness among society’s elders is challenging since board-certified geriatricians (physicians trained, knowledgeable and certified in treating older patients) are in short supply, here in El ”
- in-plural, relationalOne who is older than another.
- One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.
“Carry your Head[…] as your Elders have done.”
- An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.
- A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.
- Mormonism, USOne ordained to the lowest office in the Melchizedek priesthood.
“After being a member of the Church for a while, Bill was ordained to the office of elder.”
“Jack had been an elder for only a few days when he received a new calling.”
- Mormonism, USA male missionary.
“The elders are coming over for dinner tonight.”
- Mormonism, capitalized, oftenTitle for a male missionary; title for a general authority.
“One of the long-time leaders in the Church is Elder Packer.”
- GermanicA pagan or Heathen priest or priestess.
- A small tree, Sambucus nigra, having white flowers in a cluster, and edible purple berries.
“Have a tree or two the witches particularly like, such as the alder, larch, cypress and hemlock; then, to counteract any possible evil effects, there must be a holly, yew, hazel, elder, mountain ash o”
- Any of the other species of the genus Sambucus: small trees, shrubs or herbaceous perennials with red, purple, or white and yellow berries (some of which are poisonous).
- A cow's udder, especially used as food.
- QuakerismTo admonish or reprove for improper conduct by the elders of the meeting.
“I was eldered for directly responding to someone else's message in meeting for worship.”
- A surname.
“Ruth Elder was known for her beauty and acting, but her real dream was to become the female version of transatlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh.”
Formselders(plural) · elders(present, singular, third-person) · eldering(participle, present) · eldered(participle, past) · eldered(past) · Yelder(alternative)