Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - elder

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English eldre, from Old English ell?rn; perhaps akin to Old English alor alder — more at alder  Date: before 12th century ~berry 2  II. adjective  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English ieldra, comparative of eald old  Date: before 12th century  1. of earlier birth or greater age his ~ brother  2. of or relating to earlier times ; former  3. archaic of or relating to a more advanced time of life  4. prior or superior in rank, office, or validity  III. noun  Date: before 12th century  1. one living in an earlier period  2.  a. one who is older ; senior a child trying to please her ~s  b. an aged person  3. one having authority by virtue of age and experience the village ~s  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  • ~ship noun