Nestor

in the legend of Troy, a Greek hero--"The wisest of the Greeks." He was king of Pylos. He was an old man when the expedition against Troy set sail, but he insisted on leading his own force of twenty ships. He enjoyed a high reputation for courage, wisdom, and eloquence. He took no part in fighting, but played the part of the aged counselor without whose advice no step of importance could be taken. The term is still used in modern politics. After his retirement from the presidential office, James Madison, for instance, whose advice was sought by the younger leaders, was called the Nestor of his party. See Troy