Irish Law. Also erron. -ium. [L. custodiam custody, from the phraseology of the grant.] A grant by the Exchequer (for three years) of lands, etc., in possession of the Crown.
1662. Earl Orrery, State Lett. (1743), I. 82. These lands, which come out of the custodium at April next.
1686. R. Parr, Life of Ussher, 26. A Person of Quality … who had newly obtained the Custodium of the Temporalities of that See.
1787. Minor, 270. Fresh custodiums, detainers, and executions were issued without number.
1801. Mar. Edgeworth, Castle Rackrent (1886), 41. He takes him out a custodiam on all the denominations.
attrib. 1848. Wharton, Law Lex., Custodiam lease, a grant from the Crown under the Exchequer seal, by which the custody of lands, etc., seised in the King’s hands, is demised or committed to some person as custodee or lessee thereof.
