custody Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
    hold; detention; detainment.
    • his detention was politically motivated
    • the prisoner is on hold
    • he is in the custody of police
  2. noun holding by the police
    • the suspect is in custody
  3. noun (with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
    hands.
    • my fate is in your hands
    • too much power in the president's hands
    • your guests are now in my custody
    • the mother was awarded custody of the children

WordNet

Cus"to*dy noun
Etymology
L. custodia, fr. custos guard; prob. akin to Gr. to hide, and E. hide. Seee Hide to cover.
Definitions
  1. A keeping or guarding; care, watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation, or security.
    A fleet of thirty ships for the custody of the narrow seas. Bacon.
  2. Judicial or penal safe-keeping.
    Jailer, take him to thy custody. Shak.
  3. State of being guarded and watched to prevent escape; restraint of liberty; confinement; imprisonment.
    What pease will be given To us enslaved, but custody severe, And stripes and arbitrary punishment? Milton.

Webster 1913