elder statesman

noun

1. an influential citizen, often a retired high official, whose advice is sought by government leaders.

2. any influential member of a company, group, etc., whose advice is respected.

3. Japanese History.,  any of the political leaders who retired from official office but continued to exert a strong influence in the government and who controlled the emperor's privy council, especially in the period 1898–1914.

elder statesman

noun

1. an old, experienced, and eminent person, esp a politician, whose advice is often sought

Word History and Origins

Origin of elder statesman¹

First recorded in 1900–05