wardship

noun

ward·​ship ˈwȯrd-ˌship How to pronounce wardship (audio)
1
a
: care and protection of a ward
b
: the right to the custody of an infant heir of a feudal tenant and of the heir's property
2
: the state of being under a guardian

Examples of wardship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But each state court system, from New York to California, runs wardship and adoption proceedings differently — and sometimes there are even variations between counties. Garance Burke and Martha Mendoza, The Seattle Times, 9 Oct. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wardship was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near wardship

Cite this Entry

“Wardship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wardship. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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