Definitions for the word "ward" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. a.
The act of guarding; watch; guard; guardianship; specifically, a guarding during the day. See the Note under Watch, n., 1.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
One who, or that which, guards; garrison; defender; protector; means of guarding; defense; protection.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The state of being under guard or guardianship; confinement under guard; the condition of a child under a guardian; custody.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A guarding or defensive motion or position, as in fencing; guard.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
One who, or that which, is guarded.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A minor or person under the care of a guardian; as, a ward in chancery.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A division of a county.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A division, district, or quarter of a town or city.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A division of a forest.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
A division of a hospital; as, a fever ward.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
A projecting ridge of metal in the interior of a lock, to prevent the use of any key which has not a corresponding notch for passing it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A notch or slit in a key corresponding to a ridge in the lock which it fits; a ward notch.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
To keep in safety; to watch; to guard; formerly, in a specific sense, to guard during the day time.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
To defend; to protect.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
To defend by walls, fortifications, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
To fend off; to repel; to turn aside, as anything mischievous that approaches; -- usually followed by off.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. i.
To be vigilant; to keep guard.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. v. i.
To act on the defensive with a weapon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. n.
1 separate part of a hospital or room for a particular group of patients. 2 administrative division of a constituency. 3 a minor under the care of a guardian or court. B (in full ward of court) minor or mentally deficient person placed under the protection of a court. 4 (in pl.) The corresponding notches and projections in a key and a lock. 5 archaic guardian''s control. ward off 1 parry (a blow). 2 avert (danger etc.). [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "ward" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
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Important Notes
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