custody

n. [ L. custodia, fr. custos guard; prob. akin to Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; to hide, and E. hide. Seee Hide to cover. ] 1. A keeping or guarding; care, watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation, or security. [ 1913 Webster ]

A fleet of thirty ships for the custody of the narrow seas. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Judicial or penal safe-keeping. [ 1913 Webster ]

Jailer, take him to thy custody. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. State of being guarded and watched to prevent escape; restraint of liberty; confinement; imprisonment. [ 1913 Webster ]

What pease will be given
To us enslaved, but custody severe,
And stripes and arbitrary punishment? Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]