custody

Noun

WordNet 3.0

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”Synonyms: detention detainment hold
holding by the police“the suspect is in custody”
(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”Synonyms: hands

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]