alderman
UK: ˈɔːldəmən | US: ˈɔːldərmən
n. 1. A senior member of a municipal council or local government, historically in England and some Commonwealth countries.
n. 2. A noble title or rank in Anglo-Saxon England, originally denoting a chief or elder.
The word "alderman" traces back to Old English ealdorman, combining ealdor (variant of eald, meaning "old" or "chief") and man ("person"). Originally, it referred to a high-ranking noble or leader in Anglo-Saxon society, often a regional ruler. Over time, the term evolved into a civic title for senior officials in local governance, reflecting its roots in authority and seniority. The morpheme "alder" preserves the archaic sense of "elder" or "leader," while "man" underscores the human role.
The alderman proposed a new policy to improve city infrastructure.
In medieval England, an alderman often held judicial powers.
She was elected as the first female alderman in the town’s history.
The alderman presided over the council meeting with fairness.
Historical records mention an alderman governing the region during the Viking Age.