What is "eldest hand"

Eldest \Eld"est\, a. [AS. yldest, superl. of eald old. See Elder, a.]

1. Oldest; longest in duration.
   --Shak.

2. Born or living first, or before the others, as a son, daughter, brother, etc.; first in origin. See Elder. ``My lady's eldest son.''
   --Shak.

   Their eldest historians are of suspected credit.
   --Bp. Stillingfleet.

   Eldest hand (Card Playing), the player on the dealer's left hand.
   --R. A. Proctor.

n. the card player on the dealer's left [syn: elder hand]