Custodies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A legal arrangement where a person or entity is entrusted with the care and supervision of another, typically concerning children or assets
2. The state of holding or maintaining possession of something, often in a protective or responsible manner
3. A situation in which someone is kept under control or authority, often in a formal or protective context

Etymology: "Custodies" is simply the plural of "custody," used when referring to several separate guardianship arrangements, such as different cases involving the care of children. The plural form only adds a sense of multiple instances to the base noun. The base noun is borrowed from Latin "custodia," meaning a keeping, watch, guard, or even prison. That Latin word grew from "custos," a keeper, watchman, or guard. So the idea at the root is physical watching and protecting: someone standing guard over a person or thing. Over time the sense moved from guarding a place or object toward the legal authority to look after a person, particularly a child. English also has "custode," a doublet of "custody" that came into the language by a separate route, though it is now rare.

Synonyms: guardianships, protection, care, safekeeping, detention

Antonyms: release, freedom, liberation, discharge, abandonment