'guardianship' originates from the word 'guardian,' which comes from the Old French 'gardien,' meaning 'keeper, custodian.'

'guardien' transformed into the Middle English word 'gardein,' and eventually became the modern English word 'guardian,' with 'ship' added to denote the state or condition.

Initially, it meant 'the state of being a keeper or protector,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.