n.; pl. Aldermen [ AS. aldormon, ealdorman; ealdor an elder + man. See Elder, n. ] 1. A senior or superior; a person of rank or dignity. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The title was applied, among the Anglo-Saxons, to princes, dukes, earls, senators, and presiding magistrates; also to archbishops and bishops, implying superior wisdom or authority. Thus Ethelstan, duke of the East-Anglians, was called Alderman of all England; and there were aldermen of cities, counties, and castles, who had jurisdiction within their respective districts. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One of a board or body of municipal officers next in order to the mayor and having a legislative function. They may, in some cases, individually exercise some magisterial and administrative functions. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The office of an alderman. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Relating to, becoming to, or like, an alderman; characteristic of an alderman. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Aldermen collectively; the body of aldermen. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being an alderman. [ Jocular ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Like or suited to an alderman. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, or like, an alderman. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, or like, an alderman. “An aldermanly discretion.” Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The district or ward of an alderman. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The office or rank of an alderman. [ R. ] B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The condition, position, or office of an alderman. Fabyan. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ , n. An alderman. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Naut.) Insufficiently furnished with men; short-handed. [ 1913 Webster ]