[war.den] n [ME wardein, fr. ONF, fr. warder to guard, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG warten to watch] (13c) 1: one having care or charge of something: guardian, keeper
2. a: regent
2. b: the governor of a town, district, or fortress c: a member of the governing body of a guild 3 a: an official charged with special supervisory duties or with the enforcement of specified laws or regulations "game ~" "air raid ~" b: an official in charge of the operation of a prison c: any of various British officials having designated administrative functions "~ of the mint"
4. a: one of two ranking lay officers of an Episcopal parish b: any of various British college officials whose duties range from the administration of academic matters to the supervision of student discipline