ruling elder

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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. An aged person; one who lived at an earlier period; a
      predecessor.
      [1913 Webster]

            Carry your head as your elders have done.
                                                  --L'Estrange.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
         [1913 Webster]

   4. (M. E. Ch.) A clergyman authorized to administer all the
      sacraments; as, a traveling elder.
      [1913 Webster]

   {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.
      [1913 Webster]