Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Elder \Eld"er\, n. [AS. ealdor an elder, prince, fr. eald old.
   See {Old}, and cf. {Elder}, a., {Alderman}.]
   1. One who is older; a superior in age; a senior. --1 Tim. v.
      1.

   2. An aged person; one who lived at an earlier period; a
      predecessor.

            Carry your head as your elders have done.
                                                  --L'Estrange.

   3. A person who, on account of his age, occupies the office
      of ruler or judge; hence, a person occupying any office
      appropriate to such as have the experience and dignity
      which age confers; as, the elders of Israel; the elders of
      the synagogue; the elders in the apostolic church.

   Note: In the modern Presbyterian churches, elders are lay
         officers who, with the minister, compose the church
         session, with authority to inspect and regulate matters
         of religion and discipline. In some churches, pastors
         or clergymen are called elders, or presbyters.

   4. (M. E. Ch.) A clergyman authorized to administer all the
      sacraments; as, a traveling elder.

   {Presiding elder} (Meth. Ch.), an elder commissioned by a
      bishop to have the oversight of the churches and preachers
      in a certain district.

   {Ruling elder}, a lay presbyter or member of a Presbyterian
      church session. --Schaff.