Custody
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
is the detainer of a person by virtue of a lawful authority. To be in custody is to be lawfully detained under arrest.
Vide 14 Vin. Ab. 359; 3 Chit. Pr. 355.
In another sense custody signifies having the care and possession of a thing; as, the chancellor is entitled to the custody as the keeper of the seal.