The action or fact of having in charge, keeping, guarding, possessing, etc.; keeping, occupation, possession; defence, protection, rule. Obsolete.

Keeping, care, charge, custody.

gen. Guardianship, keeping, control. Now rare. †out of ward: beyond control, out of hand (obsolete).

Charge; oversight with a view to protection, preservation, or guidance. In the address of a letter or package ‘care of ——’. in care of (U.S.): = ca…

The action of matronize, v. (in various senses), esp. chaperoning, acting as hostess.