custody custody /ˈkʌstədi/

noun

1. () A state of being confined (usually for a short time)  ( detainment , detention , hold , custody )
   a state of being confined (usually for a short time)
    His detention was politically motivated
   his detention was politically motivated
    The prisoner is on hold
   the prisoner is on hold
    He is in the custody of police
   he is in the custody of police
   
   
2. (with 'in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child  ( custody , hands )
   (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
   my fate is in your hands
    Too much power in the president's hands
   too much power in the president's hands
    Your guests are now in my custody
   your guests are now in my custody
    The mother was awarded custody of the children
   the mother was awarded custody of the children
   
3. Holding by the police  ( custody )
   holding by the police
    The suspect is in custody
   the suspect is in custody