noun (n)

• a state of being confined (usually for a short time)(noun.state)

  Example:
  He is in the custody of police.
  

  Synonym:
  detainment, detention, hold
  

  source: wordnet30
• holding by the police(noun.act)

  Example:
  The suspect is in custody.
  

  source: wordnet30
• (with `in') guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child(noun.act)

  Example:
  Your guests are now in my custody.
  The mother was awarded custody of the children.
  

  Synonym:
  hands
  

  source: wordnet30
• A keeping or guarding; care, watch, inspection, for keeping, preservation, or security.(noun)

  source: webster1913