Custody

The detention of an individual's person by virtue of lawful process or authority. To be in custody, is to be lawfully detained under arrest.

In another sense, custody signifies having the care and possession of a thing; as, the chancellor is entitled to the custody as the keeper of the seal.

Also signifies the party or parties who have various obligations and rights regarding children.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.