An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Of an astronomical object, having existed as specified with relation to younger or newer objects of the same category; e.g. → old star.

Etymology (EN): From M.E., from O.E. eald, ald; cf. Du. old, Ger. alt, Goth. altheis; akin to O.N. ala “to nourish.”

Etymology (PE): Kohan “old, ancient,” kohné “worn;” Mid.Pers. kahwan “old, aged, worn.”
Pir, from Mid.Pers. pir “old, aged, ancient;” Av. parô (adv.) “before, before (of time), in front (of space);” cf. Skt. puáh, combining form of puras “before (of time and place), in front, in advance.”