| 释义 |
▪ I. † ˈwardsman1 Obs.
[f. ward's genit. of ward n.3 (= award) + man n.]
An arbitrator.
1482Cely Papers (Camden) 107 The warddysman hath sen yowre lyve lodd and entyd hit in her bokes. 1622–3(28 Feb.) Essex Archdeaconries, Depositions bk. (MS.) lf. 27 b, Mr. Sweno and Mr. Knivett should be wardes men to end all matters and controversies betwene them.
▪ II. wardsman2|ˈwɔːdsmən|
[f. ward's genitive of ward n.2 + man n. Cf. wardman.]
1. In certain boroughs: A member of the governing body, consisting of representatives elected by the several wards.
1712Sir 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.
1789J. 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. 1821Syd. Smith Wks. 1859 I. 339/1 Wardsmen, selected in each yard among the best of the prisoners, are very serviceable. 1836Dickens Sk. Boz, Visit to Newgate, The wardsmen and wardswomen are all prisoners, selected for good conduct. 1891Daily 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.
1683T. Ellwood Life (1885) 126 [The watchman]..went out to seek the constable... He was a young man,..somewhat better mannered than his wardsman.
So ˈwardswoman.
1836Dickens Sk. Boz, Visit to Newgate, In every ward on the female side, a wardswoman is appointed to preserve order. 1897Daily News 17 Sept. 7/3 An aged inmate, wearing the workhouse clothes, said she was night wardswoman of the infirm ward.
Add:4. Chiefly Austral. A hospital orderly.
1896H. Lawson While Billy Boils (1897) 67 You know you are not in a fit state to go out. Let the wardsman help you to undress. 1936C. L. R. James Minty Alley xxxiii. 317 He died this morning about half-past three. I met a wardsman from the hospital and he tell me. 1946A. Marshall Tell us about the Turkey, Jo 38 Three nurses and the wardsman lifted him in their arms. They carried him slowly towards his ward. |