First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
custody
noun cus·to·dy \ˈkəs-tə-dē\
law : the legal right to take care of a child (such as a child whose parents are divorced)
: the state of being kept in a prison or jail
: the act of protecting or taking care of something
plural cus·to·dies
Full Definition of CUSTODY
: immediate charge and control (as over a ward or a suspect) exercised by a person or an authority; also : safekeeping
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Origin of CUSTODY
Middle English custodie, from Latin custodia guarding, from custod-, custos guardian
Related to CUSTODY
- Synonyms
- care, custodianship, guardianship, keeping, safekeeping, trust, ward
CUSTODY Defined for Kids
custody
noun cus·to·dy \ˈkə-stə-dē\
Definition of CUSTODY for Kids
1
: direct responsibility for care and control <The boy is in the custody of his parents.>
2
: the state of being arrested or held by police <The suspect has been taken into custody.>
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