[f. ward’s genitive of WARD sb.2 + MAN sb. Cf. WARDMAN.]
1. In certain boroughs: A member of the governing body, consisting of representatives elected by the several wards.
1712. Sir R. Atkyns, Glouc., 347. Cirencester … hath two High-Constables and fourteen Wardsmen over seven distinct Wards, appointed yearly at the Court-Leet.
2. An inmate appointed to supervise his ward in a prison or workhouse.
1789. J. Howard, Lazarettos, 125. To every ward here [Newgate], and at both the Compters, there is an orderly prisoner called a wardsman, who should wash, sweep and keep his ward fresh and clean.
1821. Syd. Smith, Wks., 1859, I. 339/1. Wardsmen, selected in each yard among the best of the prisoners, are very serviceable.
1836. Dickens, Sk. Boz, Visit to Newgate. The wardsmen and wardswomen are all prisoners, selected for good conduct.
1891. Daily News, 26 Dec., 5/5. ‘That man I employ as wardsman,’ observed the master [of the workhouse].
3. A watchman who is responsible for prisoners.
1683. T. Ellwood, Life (1885), 126. [The watchman] … went out to seek the constable…. He was a young man,… somewhat better mannered than his wardsman.
So Wardswoman.
1836. Dickens, Sk. Boz, Visit to Newgate. In every ward on the female side, a wardswoman is appointed to preserve order.
1897. Daily News, 17 Sept., 7/3. An aged inmate, wearing the workhouse clothes, said she was night wardswoman of the infirm ward.
