Which term describes the act of handling another person's property with the expectation to return it?

The term that accurately describes the act of handling another person's property with the expectation to return it is bailment. In a bailment situation, one party, known as the bailor, temporarily gives possession of their property to another party, known as the bailee, with the understanding that the property will be returned after the purpose of the bailment is fulfilled. This relationship is characterized by the idea that while the bailee has physical control of the property, the ownership rights remain with the bailor.

Transfer refers to a change in ownership of property, which implies that the property is no longer the possession of the original owner. Custody involves the responsibility for holding or looking after property, but does not fully encompass the expectation of returning the property as in a bailment relationship. Ownership indicates full rights over the property, including the right to use, manage, and dispose of it, rather than the temporary handling with a return obligation that defines bailment. Thus, bailment specifically captures the essence of this temporary custody and the mutual agreement regarding the return of the property.