† ˈaldest, a. Obs. or dial.
[f. ald old + -est; see alder a. to which it belongs.]
= eldest a., oldest a.
| 1205 Layam. 6947 Þe aldeste hæhte Fulgenius [1250 Þe eldest]. Ibid. 2105 Þe ældeste broðer. 1297 R. Glouc. 233 Þe aldest hous al so. c 1325 E.E. Allit. P. B. 1333 Bolde Baltaȝar, watȝ his barn aldest. (Mod. Sc. auldest.) |