ˈkəstədē, -di noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English custodie, from Latin custodia guarding, keeping, from custod-, custos guardian, keeper + -ia; perhaps akin to Greek keuthein to hide — more at hide
1.
a. : the act or duty of guarding and preserving (as by a duly authorized person or agency) : safekeeping
the Serials Division has custody of newspapers, unbound periodicals, and government and other serials — L.H.Evans
b. : protection, care, maintenance, and tuition : guardianship
orphans in the custody of their uncle
2. : judicial or penal safekeeping : control of a thing or person with such actual or constructive possession as fulfills the purpose of the law or duty requiring it : imprisonment or durance of persons or charge of things
a man held in police custody
a suspect in protective custody
3. : a territorial division of the Franciscan order smaller than a province