Ealder
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Burrill (1850)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
or EALDING.
In old Saxon law. An elder or chief. EALDERMAN (Saxon). A Saxon title of honor. It was a mark of honor very widely applicable, the ealdermen being of various ranks. It is the same as alderman (q. v.)
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
Sax. [Lat. senior.] In Saxon law. Elder. A term generally used to express age, and sometimes office, though the latter was usually denoted by ealderman (q. v.) Spelman, voc. Aldermanus.