warden of the cinque ports
warden of the cinque ports (singk ports). Hist. A magistrate with jurisdiction over the five cinque ports. • This office was created in imitation of the Roman policy of strengthening coasts against enemies. The warden, formally called the Lord Warden, presided over the Court of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, which was created in the 14th century and, over time, variously exercised civil, equity, and admiralty jurisdiction. — Formerly termed guardian of the cinque ports. See CINQUE PORTS.