in composition, as in toward, homeward, is the Saxon weard, from the root of L.

To guard; to deep in safety; to watch. Whose gates he found fast shut, he living wight to ward the same-

To be vigilant; to keep guard.

To act on the defensive with a weapon. She drove the stranger to no other shift, than to ward and go back. And on their warding arms light bucklers bear.

Watch; act of guarding. Still when she slept, he kept both watch and ward.

Garrison; troops to defend a fort; as small wards left in forts. [Not in use.I .

Guard made by a weapon in fencing. For want of other ward, he lifted up his hand his front to guard.

A fortress; a strong hold.

One whose business is to guard, watch and defend; as a fire- ward.

A certain district, division or quarter of a town or city, committed to an alderman. There are twenty six wards in London.

Custody; confinement under guard. Pharaoh put his butler and baker in ward. Genesis 40:3.

A minor or person under the care of a guardian. See Blackstones chapter on the rights and duties of guardian and ward.

The state of a child under a guardian. I must attend his majestys commands, to whom I am now in ward.

Guardianship; right over orphans. It is convenient in Ireland, that the wards and marriages of gentlemens children should be in the disposal of any of those lords.

The division of a forest.

The division of a hospital.

A part of a lock which corresponds to its proper key.