Definition of custody

• a state of being confined (usually for a short time); "his detention was politically motivated"; "the prisoner is on hold"; "he is in the custody of police"
• holding by the police; "the suspect is in custody"
• (with `in) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child; "my fate is in your hands"; "too much power in the presidents hands"; "your guests are now in my custody"; "the mother was awarded custody of the children"