custody
UK[ˈkʌstədi]US[ˈkʌstədi]
n
The legal right or duty to care for someone or something, especially a child after its parents have separated or died.
n
The state of being guarded or kept in a prison.
Etymology
The word 'custody' entered English in the late 15th century from Latin custodia, meaning "a guarding, watch, safe-keeping." This Latin term derives from custos (genitive custodis), meaning "guardian, keeper, watcher." The root of custos is of uncertain origin but is likely related to the idea of hiding or covering, as seen in the Greek keuthein, "to hide, conceal." Thus, the conceptual journey is from the ancient sense of "one who hides or protects" to the Latin "guardian," and finally to the modern English legal and protective senses of "care, guardianship, or imprisonment."
Analysis
The word 'custody' is a simplex loanword from Latin. It does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern English spelling.
Examples
The mother was awarded sole custody of the children after the divorce.
The suspect was remanded in police custody while awaiting trial.
These important documents are held in the safe custody of a bank.