Obs. 3–6. [variant of ELD:—OE. eldu, influenced by the adj. ald, old. Also found in midl. dial. as OLD.]
1. Age, duration of life or existence.
c. 1200. Ormin, 14426. Þis middellærdes ald iss all o sexe daless dæledd.
2. An age, or secular period of the world.
c. 1200. Ormin, 2373. Swa summ i þatt ald Wass laȝhe to ben fesstnedd.
3. Old age, the advanced state or period of life.
1205. Layam., 19411. Bruttes hafden muchil mode … for þas kinges alde.
c. 1430. Seven Sages (P.), 641. He wille brynge the adown in olde.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scotl., I. 444. Vnsaturabill bayth in ald and youth.
1551. Abp. Hamilton, Catech., 69 a. Fra the tyme of thair youthede to the tyme of thair auld.
