elder statesman:
(plural: ‘elder statesmen’)
an old and respected politician, usually the one who is no longer in any official position in any political party but who is asked for advice and guidance because of his long experience;
(non-political) an old, experienced and well-respected person, usually not in any active official position, in any particular field whose advice is well received,
a political elder statesman, Jimmy Carter
After consulting the elder statesman of the party, the young members chose an educated young lady as their chief.
Of all the retired politicians in the world, only a few of them are called ‘elder statesmen’ and Jimmy Carter, the former US president and Gorborchove, the former USSR premier, are more popular of them all.
Several elder statesmen tried their best to advise on the issue of peace in the Middle East Asia, but not with much success.
Monica, now in her sixties, retired as a fashion designer some time ago but is till considered the best elder statesman, rather stateswoman, in the fashion industry and several contemporary fashion designers go to her for her advice and guidance.
a non-political elder statesman of body-building sport (R)
for an item of news about an Australian elder statesman, please click here,
for a news article about a (non-political) pop music elder statesman, please click here,
for an article about a popular Russian political elder statesman, please click here
and
for an article that speaks of ‘elder statesmen’ as ‘lobbyists’, please click here.
