1) A tree related to the birch which prospered in wet places [Latin <i>alnetum</i> for a place where alders grow].
1289-1306 de quadraginta acris marisci et alneti, Barlby. These sites were known as alder carrs and the term occurs as a minor place-name: 1424 ‘a certain alnetum called le Bradekerre’. They were carefully managed sites, producing underwood which was used for several purposes, including the foundations of stone walls and the strengthening of river banks: 1543 the underwoode wherof moche standeth by hassell, alder, and byrche, of the age of x or xij yeres … for stathing of the said bankes, Pontefract. Craftsmen also used alder wood: 1619-21 Thomas Bulmer a turner, or worker of wooden vessels … hath taken Alders and other woode to the worth of xls, Newtondale. One of the alternative spellings is ‘aller’: 1616 for 39 powles or rayless most Aller vjs, Brandsby. The other alternative spellings eller, oller and owler are treated separately.