Key-keeper

1.  One who has the custody or control of the key of a house, room, chest, etc. Cf. key-herd, KEY sb.¹ 17.

1534.  in W. H. Turner, Select. Rec. Oxford, 219. To the Key Kepers to thuse of the body of the Town. Ibid. (1576), 388. The Key Kepers of thys Cytie shall delyver them x^li 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.