I. ˈgärdēən, ˈgȧd- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English gardein, from Anglo-French, from Old French guardenc, from garder, guarder to ward, watch
1. : one that guards or secures : one to whom a person or thing is committed for protection, security, or preservation
2.
[Middle English gardian, from Middle French gardien, from Old French, from garder to guard + -ien -an — more at guard ]
: a superior of a Franciscan monastery
3. : one who has or is entitled or legally appointed to the care and management of the person or property of another (as a minor or a person incapable of managing his own affairs) — compare committee , curator , tutor ; see guardian ad litem , guardian by custom , guardian by election , guardian by statute , guardian for nurture , guardian in socage , natural guardian , testamentary guardian ; ward
4. often capitalized : the spiritual leader of the Bahais
5. : an adult leader of a group of intermediate camp fire girls — compare adviser , leader
II. adjective
: performing or appropriate to the office of a protector
the guardian lions by the entrance are strikingly rendered — American Guide Series: Vermont