(ˌ)kəˈstōdēən noun
( -s )
Etymology: custody + -an
1.
a. : one that guards and protects or maintains : one entrusted officially with guarding and keeping (as property, artifacts, or records) or with custody or guardianship (as of a prisoner, inmate, or ward)
the custodian of the manor and the park
the custodian in charge of a prison camp
b. : a monitor preserving a cherished intangible often with or as if with a vested proprietary right
I trust we acquit ourselves worthily as custodians of this sacred mystery — Elinor Wylie
custodians of very glorious traditions and the trustees of a spiritual wealth — W.R.Inge
2.
a. : building superintendent
b. : one who takes charge of the recording, safekeeping, and release of all valuables that come into the hands of the police department
3. : an agency that takes care of securities including collection of income but without authority to buy and sell