A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Seward is a term used to refer to a high-ranking naval officer, also known as custos maris or seaward. It comes from the Law Latin phrase "warden of the sea."

Example: Admiral John Smith was a seward in the United States Navy.

This example illustrates the definition of seward as a high-ranking naval officer. Admiral John Smith is referred to as a seward because of his position as a warden of the sea, responsible for overseeing naval operations and ensuring the safety of ships and sailors.