WARD, is variously used in our old books: a ward in London is a district or division of the city, committed to the special charge of one of the aldermen; and in London there are 26 wards, according to the number of the mayor and aldermen, of which every one has his
his ward for his proper guard and jurisdiction. A forest is divided into wards; and a prison is called a ward. Lastly, the heir of the king's tenant, that held in capite, was termed a ward during his nonage; but this wardship is taken away by the statute 12 Car. II. c. 24.