Collins English-English Dictionary

elder ['εldə]

1. 1. adj born earlier; senior - Compare older

2. 2. adj (in piquet and similar card games) denoting or relating to the nondealer (the elder hand), who has certain advantages in the play

3. 3. adj [archaic] prior in rank, position, or office

4. 4. adj of a previous time; former

5. 5. n an older person; one's senior

6. 6. n [anthropol] a senior member of a tribe who has influence or authority

7. 7. n (in certain Protestant Churches) a lay office having teaching, pastoral, or administrative functions

8. 8. n another word for presbyter

9. 9. n [Etymology] Old English eldra, comparative of eald old; related to Old Norse ellri, Old High German altiro, Gothic althiza

10. 10. n [Usage] The word elder is being increasingly used, as a more respectful way of referring

11. 11. n [Usage] to older people: elder care, elder abuse

elder ['εldə]

1. 1. n elderberry any of various caprifoliaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Sambucus, having clusters of small white flowers and red, purple, or black berry-like fruits

2. 2. n any of various unrelated plants, such as box elder and marsh elder

3. 3. n Compare alder

4. 4. n [Etymology] Old English ellern; related to Old Norse elrir, Old High German erlin, Old Slavonic jelicha, Latin alnus