Guardian

A keeper, protector. Guardian in chivalry: the superior lord, who, when the heir was under twenty-one, if male, or fourteen, if female, in knight-service, was entitled to the wardship and marriage of the heir and the profits of the land. Guardian by statute: a kind of guardian appointed by the father's deed or will, under the 12 Car. 2, c.

24.

Guardian by appointment of the Court of Chancery: when the father fails to appoint, or is an improper person. Guardian by custom: in copyhold, the next of blood; in London, the mayor and aldermen. Guardian by deed or will: i. e. of the father. Guardian ad litem: a person representing the interests of a minor in a suit at law, appointed by the court. Guardian by nature: the father, and, on his death, the mother. Guardian for nurture: the father or mother, but guardians of the person only, and until the age of fourteen. Guardian in sbcage: the next of blood, in socage tenure, to whom the inheritance cannot possibly descend; he has the custody of the infant heir's lands and person up to the age of fourteen. Guardian of the Spiritualities, Temporalities: v. Gustos spiritualium, temporalium.