custodial

[kuh-stoh-dee-uh l]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR custodial ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

of or relating to custody.

of, relating to, or appropriate to a custodian: a building superintendent's custodial duties.

responsible for or providing protective supervision and guardianship rather than seeking to improve or cure: Overcrowding forces many mental hospitals to provide only custodial care.

noun

a container or receptacle for something sacred, as the Host.

Origin of custodial

1765–75; < Latin custōdi(a) custody + -al¹

Related formscus·to·di·al·ism, nounnon·cus·to·di·al, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for custodial

watchful, possessive, vigilant, warm, defensive, jealous, careful, conservative, covering, emergency, guardian, preservative, conservational, protecting, shielding, advisory, protective

Examples from the Web for custodial

Contemporary Examples of custodial

Step by step, the penal and custodial apparatus of the United States has become larger, more belligerent, and more brazen.
Conrad Black: Tom DeLay, American Hero, Fights The Good Fight
Conrad Black
October 15, 2012
North Dakota requires two-parent notification and custodial parent consent for minors, as well as a 24-hour waiting period.
Abortion Outposts in Arkansas, Dakotas Wary of Mississippi’s Fight
Allison Yarrow
July 13, 2012
This prophylactic rule requires suppression of any custodial statement made before the warnings are given.
Holder's Wishy Washy Terror War
Gerald L. Shargel
May 10, 2010

Historical Examples of custodial

Then took the custodial; and showed the patient the Corpus Domini within.
The Cloister and the Hearth
Charles Reade
Other measures recommended were the custodial care of the feeble-minded, and State control of the use of alcohol.
Women's Wild Oats
C. Gasquoine Hartley
While I'm out there, get word to all custodial and operating personnel that they will be permitted to leave tonight.
Criminal Negligence
Jesse Francis McComas
A certain sum would also be received from the families of some of the inmates of the training schools and custodial institutions.
Chapters in the History of the Insane in the British Isles
Daniel Hack Tuke
The increase and classification of the custodial population here contemplated is a problem for administrative charity.
The Arena
Various

Word Origin and History for custodial

adj.

1772, from custody (Latin custodia) + -al (1).