[f. as prec. + -SHIP.] The office or position of a keeper.

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1530.  in W. H. Turner, Select. Rec. Oxford, 67. Richard Edys, nowe Keper of Bockardowe, to enjoy the kepershippe of Bocardowe.

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1627.  Dk. Newcastle, Lett., in Life (1886), 322. Since I am not repaired in the Keepership.

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1825.  Bentham, Offic. Apt. Maximized, Observ. Peel’s Sp. (1830), 37. The keepership of the prison named after his judicatory [the King’s Bench].

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1880.  Antiquary, May, 227/1. The keepership of the mineralogical department of the British Museum.

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