The condition of being a ward; the state of being under the legal care of a guardian. After her parents' death, she spent her adolescence in the wardship of her uncle.
The legal guardianship or control exercised by a guardian over a ward, including management of the ward's property. The law firm petitioned the court to assume wardship of the estate until the child reached adulthood.
(historical) In feudal law, the right of a lord to the custody of the lands and person of his tenant's minor heir. Under Norman custom, the wardship of the young baron's lands reverted to the crown.