elder

Etymology 1

From 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.

adj

1. comparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.
   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. 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 5, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad

noun

1. An older person.
2. A leader of a community, someone of great age or seniority.
   We were presented to the village elder.
   I probably wouldn't be here talking about this very topic if it weren't for the few but mighty elders in the tech and gender rights spaces. Folks like South Africa-based Jan Moolman from the Association for Progressive Communications[…] 2022-08-25, Seyi Akiwowo, How to Stay Safe Online: A digital self-care toolkit for developing resilience and allyship, Penguin UK
3. One who is older than another.
   Respect your elders.
4. One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.
5. An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.
6. A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments.
   a travelling elder
7. (Canada) An older Indigenous person respected as an authority figure, especially when in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.
   At the friendship centre, you can arrange to meet with a social worker or an elder.
8. (US, Mormonism) One 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.
9. (US, Mormonism) Male missionary.
   The elders are coming over for dinner tonight.
10. (Mormonism, often capitalized) Title for a male missionary; title for a general authority.
    One of the long-time leaders in the Church is Elder Packer.
11. (Germanic paganism) A pagan or Heathen priest or priestess.

verb

1. (Quakerism) To 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.

Etymology 2

Wikispecies From Middle English eldre, eller, from Old English ellærn, from Proto-Germanic *elernaz, *eldernaz (compare Low German Elhorn, Elloorn).

noun

1. 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 or juniper. 1940, Rosetta E. Clarkson, Green Enchantments: The Magic Spell of Gardens, The Macmillan Company, page 273
2. Any of the other species of the genus Sambucus: small trees, shrubs or herbaceous perennials with red, purple, or white/yellow berries (some of which are poisonous).

Etymology 3

Perhaps from Proto-Germanic *aliþro (“udder”), from *alaną (“to nourish”). Cognate with dialectal Dutch elder (“udder”).

noun

1. A cow's udder, especially used as food.