[f. WARD sb.2 + -ED2.] Of a key, lock: Constructed with wards. (Usually with defining word prefixed.)

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1572.  Bossewell, Armorie, II. 94 b. This Crosse ought to be figured as a double warded key.

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1591.  Greene, Conny Catch., II. 25. He … can picke a lock if it be not too crosse warded.

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1628.  Feltham, Resolves, II. xxxiii. 105. Attendants are like to … lockes…. If they be such as a stranger may picke … it is very fit to change them instantly. But if they be well warded, they are then good guards of our fame.

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1850.  Chubb, Locks & Keys, 8. There was also another lock constructed on the warded principle, but with the addition of a single tumbler.

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1853.  Hobbs & Tomlinson, Locks, v. 58. Complex warded locks.

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