PR descriptions

[Asa]

Do you think that "the Elder" and "the Younger" can often mean two brothers with the same first name? I've seen this in a will recently where someone is describing their two sons of the same name. Or is it generally equal to Senior and Junior for father and son? I'm looking at C16th - late C18th.

[kiterunner]

It would usually be father and son, but could be used in other situations, though I wouldn't say "often".

[Phoenix]

It would depend entirely on context. A will ought to make things clear, but in a register it could be cousins or even unrelated individuals.

In one village I know there are at least four men with identical names. William the younger of Coombe becomes William the elder of Coombe.... but then he moves and becomes William of the Town. I think.

[Asa]

Thank you both. I was hoping there was an unwritten rule I hadn't heard of. So it usually is just what it says. Which makes sense because they don't otherwise appear to be close relations.