Guard

gärd, v.t. to ward, watch, or take care of: to protect from danger or attack: to protect the edge of, as by an ornamental border.— v.i. to watch: to be wary.— n. that which guards from danger: a man or body of men stationed to protect: one who has charge of a coach or railway-train: state of caution: posture of defence: part of the hilt of a sword: a watch-chain: ( pl. ) troops attached to the person of a sovereign: ( cricket ) the pads which protect the legs from swift balls.— adj. Guard′able .— n. Guard′age ( Shak. ), wardship.— adjs. Guard′ant ( her. ), having the face turned towards the beholder; Guard′ed , wary: cautious: uttered with caution.— adv. Guard′edly .— ns. Guard′edne ; Guard′house , Guard′room , a house or room for the accommodation of a guard of soldiers, where defaulters are confined; Guard′ian , one who guards or takes care of: ( law ) one who has the care of an orphan minor.— adj. protecting.— n. Guard′ianship .— adj. Guard′le , without a guard: defencele .— ns. Guard′ship , a ship of war that superintends marine affairs in a harbour and protects it: ( Swift ) guardianship; Guards′man , a soldier of the guards.— Guardian angel , an angel supposed to watch over a particular person: a person specially devoted to the interests of another.— Mount guard , to go on guard-duty; On , or Off , one's guard , on the watch, or the opposite; Run the guard , to get past a guard or sentinel without detection. [O. Fr. garder —Old High Ger. warten ; A.S. weardian , Eng. ward .]