elder
1. el.der \'el-d*r\ n [ME eldre, fr. OE ellrn; prob. akin to OE alor
alder] - more at ALDER : any of a genus (Sambucus) of shrubs or trees of
the honeysuckle fa mily bearing flat clusters of small white or pink
flowers and black or red drupes resembling berries
2. elder \-.ship\ aj [ME, fr. OE ieldra, compar. of eald old] 1: of earlier
birth or greater age 2: of or relating to earlier times : FORMER obs 3:
of or relating to a more advanced time of life 4: prior or superior in
rank, office, or validity - el.der.ship n
3. elder \-.ship\ n 1: one living in an earlier period 2a: one who is
older : SENIOR archaic 2b: an aged person 3: one having authority by
virtue of age and experience 4: any of various church officers : as 4a:
PRESBYTER 4b: a permanent officer elected by a Presbyterian congregation
and ordained to serve on the session and assist the pastor at communion
4c: MINISTER 2b 4d: a Mormon ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood -
el.der.ship n