noun
elder
EL-der/ˈɛldɝ/
An older person respected for experience and authority.
The village elder offers advice drawn from years of experience.
Etymology
Elder is historically “more old,” used as a noun for an older person. Because age could confer community authority, the word also came to identify a respected senior figure.
In context
the village elder is a much respected even venerated man
More examples
- Community elders teach the children traditional songs.
- Both families ask a respected elder to settle their disagreement.
- She serves as an elder in her church.
Forms
elder · elders