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.
Phrases and idioms:
guardian angel a spirit conceived as watching over a person or place.
Derivatives:
guardianship n.
Etymology: ME f. AF gardein, OF garden f. Frank., rel. to WARD, WARDEN