a. superl. Obs. or dial. [f. ALD old; see ALDER a. to which it belongs.]
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.)