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Alderman (Title pertaining to an office)

a title pertaining to an office in the municipal corporations of Great Britain and the United States.

In early Saxon times the term was indefinitely applied, and was generally given to a person possessed of an office of rank or dignity. In the court of the corporation of London the aldermen have legislative and judicial authority, and are elected for life. In the United States the powers and duties of aldermen differ in the various States and cities. As a rule they are elected by popular vote and constitute the source of municipal legislation.