1. Plural of hayward; officers or officials responsible for maintaining fences and impounding stray livestock in a village or manor.
Usage: archaic; historical; chiefly British

Examples

• In medieval England, haywards were appointed to oversee the common lands and prevent animals from damaging crops.
• The haywards' duties included repairing hedges and collecting fees from owners of impounded cattle.
• Local records show that haywards held considerable authority in village affairs during the 14th century.
• The position of hayward gradually disappeared as agricultural practices and land ownership changed.