wardship

English

Etymology

ward +‎ -ship

Noun

wardship (usually uncountable, plural wardships)

  1. (chiefly law) The state of being a ward of someone.
    • 2009 February 21, Tracey Tyler, “A many-ringed circus”, in Toronto Star‎:
      The majority said temporary wardship, which allowed the girl to receive a transfusion, was justified.
  2. (historical) In English feudal law, the guardianship which the lord had of the land of his vassal while the latter was an infant or minor.
    • 1879, Rerum Britannicarum Medii Ævi Scriptores:
      And they may sell the wardship of the lands, and the maritages of the heirs, if they are not married, but they cannot alienate any part of the inheritance or they may offend as regards a remaindership.

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