1. the legal right or responsibility to care for someone, especially a child
Usage: legal
2. the state of being held by police or other authorities
Usage: legal
3. the protective care or guardianship of something

Examples

• After the divorce, both parents shared custody of their children.
• The father was awarded full custody of his son.
• The suspect was taken into police custody.
• He spent three days in custody before being released on bail.
• The museum has custody of several priceless artifacts.
• The documents were placed in the lawyer’s custody for safekeeping.
• Child custody cases can be emotionally difficult for families.