Main Entry: guard·ian

Pronunciation: \ˈgär-dē-ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English gardein, wardein — more at warden

Date: 15th century

1 : one that guards : custodian
2 : a superior of a Franciscan monastery
3 : one who has the care of the person or property of another

— guard·ian·ship \-ˌship\ noun