elder
/ˈɛldɚ/ noun C2- 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.
- An old person.
- One who is older than another. · Respect your elders.
- One who lived at an earlier period; a predecessor.
- An officer of a church, sometimes having teaching responsibilities.
- A clergyman authorized to administer all the sacraments. · a travelling elder
- One ordained to the lowest office in the Melchizedek priesthood. · Jack had been an elder for only a few days when he received a new calling.
- A male missionary. · The elders are coming over for dinner tonight.
Plural elders
From the library
This prospect of fresh festivity redoubled the hilarity of the guests to such a degree, that the elder Dantès, who, at the commencement of the repast, had commented upon the silence that prevailed, now found it difficult, amid the general din of voices, to obtain a moment’s tranquillity in which to drink to the health and prosperity of the bride and bridegroom.
“With what?” inquired the elder Dantès.
I have had ten or twelve sailors under me, and if you question them, they will tell you that they love and respect me, not as a father, for I am too young, but as an elder brother.”
The elder prisoner pondered the matter.
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