Section 3 : Definitions. | The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,―

(a) the expressions "custom" and "usage" signify any rule which, having been continuously and uniformly observed for a long time, has obtained the force of law among Hindus in any local area, tribe, community, group or family:

Provided that the rule is certain and not unreasonable or opposed to public policy: and

Provided further that, in the case of a rule applicable only to a family, it has not been discontinued by the family;

(b) "maintenance" includes―

(i) in all cases, provision for food, clothing, residence, education and medical attendance and treatment;

(ii) in the case of an unmarried daughter, also the reasonable expenses of and incident to her marriage;