[L., a watchman, a keeper. See Chaste.]

1. A keeping; a guarding; care, watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation or security.

Under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle. Numbers 3:36.

The prisoner was committed to the custody of the sheriff.

2. Imprisonment; confinement; restraint of liberty.

3. Defense from a foe; preservation; security.

There was prepared a fleet of thirty ships for the custody of the narrow seas.