I. ward·er ˈwȯr-dər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French wardere, from warde
Date: 15th century
1. : watchman , porter
2. British
a. : warden
b. : a prison guard
II. war·der noun
Etymology: Middle English, staff, perhaps from warden to ward
Date: circa 1548
: a truncheon used by a king or commander in chief to signal orders