a state of being confined (usually for a short time); his detention was politically motivated; the prisoner is on hold; he is in the custody of police
[ Syn: detention , detainment , hold ]
holding by the police; the suspect is in custody'
(with `in) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child; my fate is in your hands; too much power in the presidents hands; your guests are now in my custody; the mother was awarded custody of the children
[ Syn: hands ]