Alderman, a title derived from the Saxon ealdorman (elder man). The term ealdor was in itself a title of honor, used like the word "elder" in Scripture; but the title ealdorman implied a higher degree of honor, and was among the Saxons applied generally to the chief dignitaries of state and the nobility, and specifically to certain national, county, and municipal officers, whose functions appear to have been chiefly judicial, but are not clearly defined. In modern times the alderman is a legislative and judicial officer of municipal corporations, elected or appointed according to the constitution or charter of the city in which he holds his office.