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.

• have possession of