'Custody' definitions:

Definition of 'custody'

From: WordNet
noun
A state of being confined (usually for a short time); "his detention was politically motivated"; "the prisoner is on hold"; "he is in the custody of police" [syn: detention, detainment, hold, custody]
noun
Holding by the police; "the suspect is in custody"
noun
(with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child; "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" [syn: hands, custody]

Definition of 'Custody'

From: GCIDE
  • Custody \Cus"to*dy\ (k?s"t?-d?), n. [L. custodia, fr. custos guard; prob. akin to Gr. ?????? to hide, and E. hide. Seee Hide to cover.]
  • 1. A keeping or guarding; care, watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation, or security. [1913 Webster]
  • A fleet of thirty ships for the custody of the narrow seas. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Judicial or penal safe-keeping. [1913 Webster]
  • Jailer, take him to thy custody. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. State of being guarded and watched to prevent escape; restraint of liberty; confinement; imprisonment. [1913 Webster]
  • What pease will be given To us enslaved, but custody severe, And stripes and arbitrary punishment? --Milton. [1913 Webster]