/ ˈkʌstədi; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
the legal right or duty to take care of or keep sb/sth; the act of taking care of sth/sb :
Who will have custody of the children?
The divorce court awarded custody to the child's mother.
The parents were locked in a bitter battle for custody.
The bank provides safe custody for valuables.
The castle is now in the custody of the state.
2.
the state of being in prison, especially while waiting for trial :
After the riot, 32 people were taken into police custody .
( BrE )
He was remanded in custody , charged with the murder of a policeman.
—see also youth custody
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin custodia , from custos guardian.