custody: Meaning and Definition of

cus•to•dy

1. keeping; guardianship; care.
2. the keeping or charge of officers of the law: The car was held in the custody of the police.
3. imprisonment; legal restraint: He was taken into custody.
4. Also calledthe right of determining the residence, protection, care, and education of a minor child or children, esp. in a divorce or separation. Cf. joint custody, sole custody.