Ward. Watch, the act of guarding. A garrison or party stationed for defense of any place; a position of defense or guard made by a weapon in fencing. Also, to guard; to watch; to defend; to parry an attack.
Ward-Burton Rifle. See [Magazine Guns].
War-dance. A dance among savages preliminary to going to war. Among the North American Indians, it is begun by some distinguished chief, and whoever joins in it thereby enlists as one of the party engaged in a warlike excursion. The war-dance is also indulged in upon the close of any successful expedition, as well as for pleasure.
Warden. An officer appointed for the naval or military protection of some particular district of country. In order to keep the districts of England adjoining to Scotland and Wales in an attitude of defense, great officers, called lord wardens of the marches, were appointed, to whom the duty of protecting the frontier was committed. From this source originated the name ward, applied to the subdivisions of the counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Durham,—a term afterwards extended to divisions of a city, town, or burgh adopted for municipal purposes. The custodier of Dover Castle was created by William the Conqueror warden of the Cinque Ports, and guardian of the adjacent coast, an office comprising extensive jurisdiction, civil, naval, and military, the greater part of which was taken away by 18 and 19 Vict., c. 48.
Warder. A truncheon, or staff of command, carried by a king or any commander-in-chief, the throwing down of which seems to have been a solemn act of prohibition to stay proceedings.
Warfare. Military service; military life; war; hostilities; contest carried on by enemies.
Warfarer. One engaged in warfare; a military man; a soldier.
War-field. A field of war or battle.
War-horse. A horse used in war; the horse of a cavalry soldier; especially, a strong, powerful, spirited horse for military service; a charger.
Warlike. Fit for war; disposed for war; as, a warlike state. Belonging or relating to war; military; martial.