English · Word Candidate

elder

/ˈeldə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: elders · eldering · eldered

Sense 1

Meaning · English

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

Adjective

Examples

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.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A leader or senior member of a tribe or community, often of considerable age, respected as an authority figure, especially in a counselling, consultative, or ceremonial role.

Noun

Examples

We were presented to the village elder.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An old person.

NounRegister: US

Examples

Treating illness among society’s elders is challenging since board-certified geriatricians (physicians trained, knowledgeable and certified in treating older patients) are in short supply, here in El Paso and throughout the country.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

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

Verb

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “elder” mean?

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

Is “elder” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.