Changes

*3 : one having [[authority]] by [[virtue]] of age and [[experience]] <the village elders>

*3 : one having [[authority]] by [[virtue]] of age and [[experience]] <the village elders>

*4 : any of various officers of [[religious]] [[groups]]: as a : presbyter 1 b : a permanent officer elected by a [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian Presbyterian] congregation and [[ordained]] to serve on the session and assist the pastor at [[communion]]  

*4 : any of various officers of [[religious]] [[groups]]: as a : presbyter 1 b : a permanent officer elected by a [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian Presbyterian] congregation and [[ordained]] to serve on the session and assist the pastor at [[communion]]  

:c : minister 2 d : a [[leader]] of the [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakers Shakers]

:c : minister  

*e : a [http://www.wikpedia.org/wiki/Mormon Mormon] [[ordained]] to the [[Melchizedek]] [[priesthood]]  

:d : a [[leader]] of the [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakers Shakers]

*e : a [http://www.wikpedia.org/wiki/Mormon Mormon] [[ordained]] to the [[Melchizedek]] [[priesthood]]

 

==Description==

==Description==

The term '''elder''' (or its equivalent in another language) is used in several [[different]] countries and [[organizations]] to indicate a position of [[authority]]. This usage is usually derived from the notion that the oldest members of a [[group]] are the [[wisest]] and thus most qualified to rule, provide [[counsel]] or some other form of [[leadership]].

The term '''elder''' (or its equivalent in another language) is used in several [[different]] countries and [[organizations]] to indicate a position of [[authority]]. This usage is usually derived from the notion that the oldest members of a [[group]] are the [[wisest]] and thus most qualified to rule, provide [[counsel]] or some other form of [[leadership]].