† ˈwardman Obs.
[f. ward n.1 + man n.1 Cf. wardsman2.]
1. In certain boroughs, a member of a select body of burgesses, representing the several wards, and empowered to choose municipal officers.
| 1444 Maldon (Essex) Liber A lf. 32 b, The xviii wardemen that day shall chese the newe baylees and other officers of the moste worthi men. 1467 Maldon (Essex) Court-Rolls Bundle 43 no. 6v, All the wardemen ben acorded that John Parll the elder is put owt of y⊇ ward. |
2. In certain boroughs, the designation of an officer employed by the corporation.
| 1792 Boys Coll. Hist. Sandwich 403 When the mayor goes in form to the court-hall,..he is preceded by the common wardman [L. communis serviens] and the two sergeants at mace. 1835 App. Munic. Corpor. Rep. ii. 1043 [Officers of the corporation of Sandwich]. Town Clerk. Common Wardman. Serjeants at Mace. Ibid. iv. 2527 The other Officers of the corporation [of Stamford] are a Gaoler... Collector of Stallage. Beadle and Wardman. |