Literally "older" in Latin.

Obviously used according to Einstein's theory of relativity (since it can be applied to a high school student who will not give me a senior citizen discount at the local supermarket upon learning I am only fifty).

Many words are derived from it, such as the Italian signore, Spanish señor), or English sir, Sire, and seniority.

Sen"ior (?), a. [L. senior, compar. of senex, gen. senis, old. See Sir.]

1.

More advanced than another in age; prior in age; elder; hence, more advanced in dignity, rank, or office; superior; as, senior member; senior counsel.

2.

Belonging to the final year of the regular course in American colleges, or in professional schools.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sen"ior, n.

1.

A person who is older than another; one more advanced in life.

2.

One older in office, or whose entrance upon office was anterior to that of another; one prior in grade.

3.

An aged person; an older.

Dryden.

Each village senior paused to scan, And speak the lovely caravan. Emerson.

4.

One in the fourth or final year of his collegiate course at an American college; -- originally called senior sophister; also, one in the last year of the course at a professional schools or at a seminary.

 

© Webster 1913.

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