guardein

Old French

Alternative forms

• wardein

Etymology

From the verb guarder, ultimately of Germanic origin. Compare the variant form from Old Northern French, wardein, which lead to English warden.

Noun

guardein oblique singular, m (oblique plural guardeinz, nominative singular guardeinz, nominative plural guardein)

1. protector; guardian; someone who keeps watch
   • c. 1200, Marie de France, Le Lai de Milun:

     Mielz me vendreit murir que vivre;
     mes jeo ne sui mie a delivre,
     ainz ai asez sur mei guardeins
     vielz e juefnes, mes chamberleins,

     I would be better of dying than living;
     But I am not free,
     I have enough protectors,
     Old and young, my servants.

Related terms

• guarder, warder

Descendants

• English: guardian