ˈkey-ˌkeeper
1. One who has the custody or control of the key of a house, room, chest, etc. Cf. key-herd, key n.1 18.
1534 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxford 219 To the Key Kepers to thuse of the body of the Town. 1576 Ibid. 388 The Key Kepers of thys Cytie shall delyver them xli in money. 1669 Woodhead St. Teresa ii. App. 10 He must enquire, whether any money comes to the hands of the Superioress, without the Key-keeper's knowledge. a 1711 Ken Psyche Poet. Wks. 1721 IV. 205 That Angel..Of the Abyss Key-keeper made, Rules the infernal Shade. 1892 Antiquary Oct. 141 His application..was refused by the key-keeper. |
2. = key-bearer 2.
1563–87 Foxe A. & M. (1596) 87/1 Left with Peter the holie keie keeper. |
† 3. A regulator. Obs.
1674 N. Fairfax Bulk & Selv. 122 The best key-keeper of motion is an elater or bear. |