\Ward"er\, n.
1. One who wards or keeps; a keeper; a guard. ``The warders
   of the gate.'' --Dryden.

2. A truncheon or staff carried by a king or a commander in
   chief, and used in signaling his will.

         When, lo! the king suddenly changed his mind, Casts
         down his warder to arrest them there. --Daniel.

         Wafting his warder thrice about his head, He cast it
         up with his auspicious hand, Which was the signal,
         through the English spread, This they should charge.
                                               --Drayton.