n. 1 a defender, protector, or keeper. 2 a person having legal custody of another person and his or her property when that person is incapable of managing his or her own affairs. 3 the superior of a Franciscan convent. guardian angel a spirit conceived as watching over a person or place. guardianship n.
[ ME f. AF gardein, OF garden f. Frank., rel. to WARD, WARDEN ]