from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Elder \Eld"er\, a. [AS. yldra, compar. of eald old. See {Old}.]
1. Older; more aged, or existing longer.
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Let the elder men among us emulate their own earlier
deeds. --Jowett
(Thucyd. )
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2. Born before another; prior in years; senior; earlier;
older; as, his elder brother died in infancy; -- opposed
to {younger}, and now commonly applied to a son, daughter,
child, brother, etc.
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The elder shall serve the younger. --Gen. xxv.
23.
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But ask of elder days, earth's vernal hour. --Keble.
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{Elder hand} (Card Playing), the hand playing, or having the
right to play, first. --Hoyle.
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