A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Wardship in copyholds refers to the situation where the lord of a property becomes the guardian of a tenant who is an infant, according to a special custom.

Example: If a child inherits a copyhold property, the lord of the property becomes their guardian until they reach the age of majority. During this time, the lord is responsible for managing the property and ensuring that it is maintained properly.

Explanation: This example illustrates how wardship in copyholds works in practice. The lord of the property takes on the role of guardian for the infant tenant, and is responsible for making decisions about the property on their behalf. This includes collecting rent, making repairs, and ensuring that the property is not damaged or misused in any way.

Definition: A wardstaff is a staff that was carried by an authority figure, such as a constable or watchman, in the past.

Example: In medieval times, a constable might have carried a wardstaff as a symbol of their authority. The staff would have been used to help them keep order and enforce the law.

Explanation: This example shows how a wardstaff was used in the past. It was a symbol of authority that helped an official to maintain order and enforce the law. The staff would have been a visible reminder to people that they were dealing with someone who had the power to arrest them or impose fines.

Definition: Wardwit refers to an exemption from the duty of warding or contributing to warding, or a fine for failing to watch and ward.

Example: In medieval England, some people were exempt from the duty of warding, which meant that they did not have to contribute to the defense of their community. Others who failed to watch and ward might be fined for their negligence.

Explanation: This example shows how wardwit was used in medieval England. Some people were exempt from the duty of warding, which meant that they did not have to contribute to the defense of their community. Others who failed to watch and ward might be fined for their negligence. This helped to ensure that everyone played their part in keeping their community safe and secure.