# custody

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkʌstədiː/ · frequency rank #4,934

## Definitions
1. The legal right to take care of something or somebody, especially children.
2. Temporary possession or care of somebody else's property.
3. The state of being imprisoned or detained, usually pending a trial.
4. An area under the jurisdiction of a custos within the Order of Friars Minor.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Latin custōdia (“a keeping, watch, guard, prison”), from custōs (“a keeper, watchman, guard”). Doublet of custode.

## Easily confused with
- **custom** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/custody-vs-custom)
- **customs** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/custody-vs-customs)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ccustody`, `csutody`, `cusotdy`, `cusstody`, `custdoy`, `custoddy`, `custodyy`, `custoyd`, `custtody`, `cutsody`, `ucstody`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/custody