ward

ward [wôrd]

vt.

[ME warden < OE weardian, to protect, guard, akin to OHG warten, to wait (see GUARD): E form and sense infl. by NormFr warder, to protect, keep (for OFr garder)]

1. to turn aside; fend off; parry: usually with off

2. Archaic to keep watch over; guard; protect

n.

[ME < OE weard]

1. the act of guarding: see WATCH AND WARD

2. the state of being under guard

3.

a) Now Rare guardianship, as of a person of unsound mind or a child

b) Now Rare the condition of being under the control of a guardian; wardship

c) a child or legally incompetent person placed under the care of a guardian or court

d) any person under another's protection or care

4. each of the parts or divisions of a jail or prison

5. a room or division of a hospital set apart for a specific class or group of patients [a maternity ward]

6. a district or division of a city or town, for purposes of administration, representation, voting, etc.

☆ 7. Mormon Ch. a local unit presided over by a bishop and two counselors

8. a means of defense or protection

9. a defensive posture, position, or motion, as in fencing

10. an open space enclosed by the walls of a castle or fortification

11. Archaic a garrison; the guard or watch

12. Lockmaking

a) a projecting ridge in a keyhole or lock face that allows only the right key to enter

b) the notch in a key that matches this ridge