Cus"to*dy (k?s"t?-d?), n. [L.
custodia, fr. custos guard; prob. akin to Gr.
?????? to hide, and E. hide. See Hide
to cover.] 1. A keeping or guarding; care,
watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation, or
security.
A fleet of thirty ships for the custody of
the narrow seas.
Bacon.
2. Judicial or penal safe-
keeping.
Jailer, take him to thy custody.
Shak.
3. State of being guarded and watched to
prevent escape; restraint of liberty; confinement;
imprisonment.
What pease will be given
To us enslaved, but custody severe,
And stripes and arbitrary punishment?
Milton.