gen. A chief, a prince, a ruler, esp. in a foreign country (cf. alder, n.2 2); (also) an elder. Obsolete.

One superior or worthy of deference and reverence by reason of age; one having pre-eminence in dignity by priority of election, appointment, etc.

A member of a ‘senate’, governing body or class, consisting of men venerable for age, or conventionally supposed to be so. Now chiefly Historical.

An ‘elder’, one of authority on account of the dignity proper to his age.

As a title of dignity: An ‘Elder.’ arch.