An older person, especially one with authority or respect in a community; someone senior in age.
From Old English 'ealdra,' literally meaning 'older one.' But surprisingly, it's related to 'old,' 'adult,' and even 'altitude' - all from a root meaning 'grown' or 'nourished.' The same Indo-European root 'al-' (to nourish/grow) gave us 'aliment' (food) and 'adolescent' (growing up). Elders were the 'well-nourished' or 'fully grown' ones.
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