wardship

ward

noun | \ ˈwȯrd \

  1. : a division of a city for representative, electoral, or administrative purposes

  1. a : a person who by reason of incapacity (as minority or incompetency) is under the control of a guardian

    b : a person who by reason of incapacity is under the protection of a court either directly or through a guardian appointed by the court — called also ward of the court; compare interdict