1. The act of protecting something in one’s custody.
2. Under the Securities Investors Protection Act, the holding of a security on behalf of the investor or broker that has paid for it. 15 USCA § 78lll(2). [Cases: Securities Regulation 185.13–185.16. C.J.S. Securities Regulation §§ 309–310, 312, 315–316, 318–319, 322.]