custos

American  

[kuhs-tos, koos-tohs] / ˈkʌs tɒs, ˈkʊs toʊs /

noun

plural

custodes

1. (italics) a custodian.

2. a superior in the Franciscan order.

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custos British  

/ ˈkʌstɒs /

noun

1. Also called (in England): guardian.  a superior in the Franciscan religious order

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Etymology

Origin of custos

1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin

Example Sentences

The Very Rev. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, custos of the Holy Land, will speak about “Struggle and Hope in the Holy Land.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 13, 2015

The lord-lieutenant now usually holds the older office of custos rotulorum, or keeper of the records of the county.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

The bishop is still custos rotulorum of the Isle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various

The relations between the nuns and their priest were doubtless very friendly; he would be their guide, philosopher and friend, sometimes acting as custos of their temporal affairs and always ready with advice.

From Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535 by Power, Eileen

He was also the first custos of Ashmole’s Museum, which could not have been an easy office since “twelve cartloads of Trades cant’s rarities” arrived in Oxford to form its nucleus. 

From Springtime and Other Essays by Darwin, Francis, Sir