1 The immediate control, guarding, or keeping of a thing for its care, inspection, preservation, or security. 2 Any significant restraint or control over a person's freedom to ensure his or her presence at a hearing or trial in a criminal action. 3 The restraint and control over a person who is incarcerated following that person's conviction of an offense. child custody. The physical control over a minor awarded by a court to a parent in a divorce or separation proceeding or in a similar acti...