late 14c., "decide after careful observation," from Anglo-French awarder, from Old North French eswarder (Old French esguarder) "decide, examine" (after careful consideration), from es- "out" (see ex-) + warder "to watch" (see ward, n.). Related: Awarded; awarding.

late 14c., "decision after consideration," from Anglo-French award, Old French esguard, from esguarder (see award, v.). Meaning "something awarded" is first attested 1590s.