In a bailment, who retains title but gives up possession of the goods?

In a bailment arrangement, the bailor retains ownership or title to the goods while the bailee takes possession of them for a specific purpose, such as storage, repair, or transportation. This fundamental characteristic of bailment is crucial, as it delineates the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved in the transaction. The bailor essentially entrusts their property to the bailee, who is expected to care for it and return it after the agreed-upon task is completed.

Understanding this relationship is important within the context of funeral service, especially when dealing with merchandise or property belonging to the deceased or family members, where the funeral home (acting as the bailee) must care for and eventually return personal items to the rightful owner (the bailor). This ensures clarity regarding ownership and the obligations involved during the temporary transfer of possession.

The other options do not accurately describe the roles in a bailment scenario. A custodian or warehouseman may hold possessions for storage or care, but they are typically also considered bailee roles without owning the titles. Thus, the term "bailor" is the most accurate in this context.