Church-warden
CHURCH-WARDEN. An officer whose duties are, as the name implies, to take
care of, or guard the church.
2. These officers are created in some ecclesiastical corporations by
the charter, and their rights and duties are definitely explained.In
England, it is said, their principal duties are to take care of, 1. the
church or building; 2. the utensils and furniture; 3. the church-yard; 4.
matters of good order concerning the church and church-yard; 5. the
endowments of the church. Bac. Ab. h.t. By the common law, the capacity of
church-wardens to hold property for the church, is limited to personal
property. 9 Cranch, 43.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.