Defn: Most beloved. [Obs.] Shak.
ALDERMAN Al"der*man, n.; pl. Aldplwmen. Etym: [AS. aldormon, ealdorman; ealdor an elder + man. See Elder, n.]
1. A senior or superior; a person of rank or dignity. [Obs.]
Note: 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.
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.
ALDERMANCY
Al"der*man*cy, n.
Defn: The office of an alderman.
ALDERMANIC
Al"der*man"ic, a.
Defn: Relating to, becoming to, or like, an alderman; characteristic of an alderman.
ALDERMANITY
Al`der*man"i*ty, n.