caretake, v.
(ˈkɛəteɪk)
[Back-formation f. care-taker.]
trans. To take charge of, watch over, and keep in order (a house, estate, business premises, etc.) in the absence of the owner or customary occupants. Also absol.
| 1893 Cornhill Mag. Nov. 507 Martha caretakes a decrepit City warehouse. 1904 Daily Chron. 14 Apr. 9/5 (Advt.), Housekeeper (Working): reliable; occasionally to caretake. 1921 Glasgow Herald 6 Aug. 6 They have to be electrical and mechanical engineers, and to ‘care-take’ the whole establishment, as well as to operate. 1960 H. Pinter Caretaker iii. 81 I'll keep an eye on the place for you.., I'll caretake for you. |