Sc. Hist. [f. WARD sb.2 + HOLDING.] In feudal law, a tenure of lands in ward (see WARD sb.2 9), i.e., by military service.
1681. Stair, Instit., I. xiii. § 31. 252. The main importance of a Ward-holding was indefinite service to be performed by the Vassal to his Superiour, and especially in War.
1684. Sir G. Mackenzie, Inst. Law Scot., II. iv. (1694), 71. Ward-holding, which is the properest holding, is called servitium militare; and all Lands are therefore presumed to hold Ward, except another holding be express’d.
a. 1712. in W. Macfarlane, Geneal. Coll. (S.H.S.), II. 154. He got his Ward Holding changed into Taxt Ward.
1747. Act 20 Geo. II., c. 50 (title), An Act for taking away the Tenure of Ward Holding in Scotland.
1897. J. C. Lees, Hist. Inverness, xii. 204. The right of ward-holding, by which landlords commanded the military services of their tenants, was also done away with.
attrib. 1758. J. Dalrymple, Ess. Feudal Property (ed. 2), 246. The ward-holding act and the jurisdiction act were the ideas of … lord Bacon.
