elder

adj

Etymology: From Middle English eldre, from Old English eldra, yldra, ieldra, from Proto-Germanic *alþizô. The vowel change from a to e triggered by the following i is called umlaut or I-mutation.

1. comparative degree of old: older, greater than another in age or seniority.

   “It's typical for elder married couples to live in retirement homes.”

   “The elder of the two was also an elder statesman.”

2. Closer to the dealer, i.e. receiving cards earlier than others.

   “The deal fell to Copling and the automaton therefore had the first "elder hand," with the advantage of a discard of five cards against its opponent's three.”

name

1. A surname.

   “Ruth Elder was known for her beauty and acting, but her real dream was to become the female version of transatlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh.”

noun

Etymology: Perhaps from Proto-Germanic *aliþro (“udder”), from *alaną (“to nourish”). Cognate with dialectal Dutch elder (“udder”).

1. A cow's udder, especially used as food.

verb

Etymology: From Middle English eldre, from Old English eldra, yldra, ieldra, from Proto-Germanic *alþizô. The vowel change from a to e triggered by the following i is called umlaut or I-mutation.

1. To admonish or reprove for improper conduct by the elders of the meeting.

   “I was eldered for directly responding to someone else's message in meeting for worship.”