What is a custos?

A custos is a Latin term meaning "guardian" or "protector." In various contexts, it refers to a custodian or overseer responsible for the care and management of something, such as a collection in a museum or an institution. In the legal realm, it can denote a person appointed to manage the affairs of another, particularly in cases where that person is unable to do so. The term is often used in academic and ecclesiastical settings to refer to individuals in positions of authority or stewardship.