English Explanatory Dictionary

custody

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The legal right to take care of something or somebody, especially children.
  2. Temporary possession or care of somebody else's property.
  3. The state of being imprisoned or detained, usually pending a trial.
  4. An area under the jurisdiction of a custos within the Order of Friars Minor.

Pronunciation

/ˈkʌstədiː/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-custody.wav

Word forms

custody custodies

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin custōdia (“a keeping, watch, guard, prison”), from custōs (“a keeper, watchman, guard”). Doublet of custode.

Related words

custodial custodian

Derived words

chain of custody custodee data custody joint custody maternal custody paternal custody protective custody sole custody youth custody centre
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