keepv.

Brit.

/kiːp/, U.S.

/kip/

Forms: Past tense and participle kept. Forms: infinitive Old English (Middle English) cépan, Middle English kepan, Middle English -en, (Middle English -in, Middle English -yn), Middle English kep, Middle English–1500s kepe, Middle English–1600s keepe, (1500s keype, Scottish keip(e), 1500s– keep. past tense Old English cépte, Middle English kepte, (Middle English kipte), Middle English– kept; Middle English keped(e, Middle English -id, -yd, Middle English–1500s Scottish -it, -yt. past participle Middle English i-kept, Middle English– kept; 1500s Scottish kepit.

Etymology: Late Old English cépan: no related words known in the cognate languages; ulterior etymology unknown. The primary sense in Old English is also difficult to ascertain; the verb appears to have been originally construed with a genitive.The word probably belonged primarily to the vulgar and non-literary stratum of the language; but it comes up suddenly into literary use c1000, and that in many senses, indicating considerable previous development. The original sense may have been ‘to lay hold’ with the hands, and hence with the attention, ‘to keep an eye upon, watch’. About 1000, it was taken to render Latin observāre (originally ‘to watch, keep an eye upon, take note of’), and its subsequent development seems to have been largely influenced by the senses of this Latin word, nearly all of which it has been used to render. It also renders the simple Latin servāre (originally ‘to watch, observe’), and the compounds conservāre , praeservāre , reservāre . In sense there is also close affinity between keep and hold v. (originally ‘to keep watch over’, ‘keep in charge’): in many uses they are still synonymous, and many phrases which have now the one verb formerly had the other; but in later usage, at least, keep implies the exercise of stronger effort to retain, so that have , hold , keep , form a series, the members of which pass into each other with progressive intensity of action. Hold has moreover often a sense of ‘sustain, support, keep from falling’, not belonging to keep. If cépan was an old word, it would go back to an Old Germanic *kôpjan ; but no trace of this verb is found elsewhere. Some compare Old English copián (found only once) = Latin ‘compilare ’, and Middle English copnien to watch or wait for; but uncertainty as to the length of the o in these words makes it doubtful whether they belong to the root kôp- . Kluge (Beiträge VIII. 537) has suggested radical connection with Old High German chuofa , Old Low German kôpa cask, coop (as a thing for holding or keeping). The alleged Flemish kepen in Kilian is an error. Uncertainty as to the original sense makes a historical scheme of the sense-development difficult. In the following, some early (and obsolete) senses are placed first under branch I; branch II has the chief transitive senses, *= ‘pay attention, observe’, **= ‘guard, preserve’, ***= ‘hold in custody’, ****= ‘conduct, carry on’; III the intransitive senses derived from these; IV the combinations with adverbs. Although the four groups under II are distinct enough in the primary and literal senses, the distinction tends to melt away in the figurative uses, and especially in the innumerable phraseological expressions into which keep enters; in several cases these combine the notions of two or more groups. In many phrases, also, the sense of keep is so indefinite and so dependent upon that of the object or complement, as to be scarcely capable of separate analysis; such phrases are treated under the noun or adjective in question: e.g. keep company n., keep watch n., keep close adj.

I. Early senses (with genitive in Old English, afterwards with simple object).

1. To seize, lay hold of; to snatch, take. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)]

gripea900

afangOE

to lay hands (or hand) on or upon (also in, to)OE

repeOE

atfonga1000

keepc1000

fang1016

kip1297

seize1338

to seize on or upon1399

to grip toc1400

rapc1415

to rap and rendc1415

comprise1423

forsetc1430

grip1488

to put (one's) hand(s) on (also in, to, unto, upon)1495

compass1509

to catch hold1520

hap1528

to lay hold (up)on, of1535

seisin?c1550

cly1567

scratch1582

attach1590

asseizea1593

grasp1642

to grasp at1677

collar1728

smuss1736

get1763

pin1768

grabble1796

bag1818

puckerow1843

nobble1877

jump1882

snaffle1902

snag1962

pull1967

the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > lay hold of or grasp

i-fangc888

gripc950

repeOE

befongOE

keepc1000

latchc1000

hentOE

begripec1175

becatchc1200

fang?c1200

i-gripea1225

warpa1225

fastenc1225

arepa1250

to set (one's) hand(s onc1290

kip1297

cleach?a1300

hendc1300

fasta1325

reachc1330

seizec1374

beclipc1380

takea1387

span1398

to seize on or upon1399

getc1440

handc1460

to catch hold1520

to take hold1530

to lay hold (up)on, of1535

grasple1553

to have by the backa1555

handfast1562

apprehend1572

grapple1582

to clap hold of1583

comprehend1584

graspa1586

attach1590

gripple1591

engrasp1593

clum1594

to seize of1600

begriple1607

fast hold1611

impalm1611

fista1616

to set (one's) hand to1638

to get one's hands on1649

c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 246 Swa hwilcne swa ic cysse, cepað his sona.

a1175 Cott. Hom. 243 Gif hi us ofercumeð ne cepeð hi of hus gold ne selfer bute ure bane.

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 2950 Eldol, erl of gloucestre..Barnde & kepte her & þer, & slou aboute wyde.

c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 166 Fulle broþely & brim he kept vp a trencheour.

†2. To try to catch or get; to seek after. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > endeavour > attempt [verb (transitive)] > attempt to obtain or attain

to found toOE

keepc1000

seekc1000

throwa1393

minta1400

intentc1450

to try for1534

sue1548

attempt?c1550

reachc1571

assay1595

put1596

to lay in for1599

climba1616

captate1628

court1639

obseek1646

solicit1717

to make a bid for1885

c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 522 Se ðe oðerne lufað..nele he him hearmes cepan.

c1000 St. Basil's Admon. v. (1849) 46 Ne kep ðu..ðinum nextan facnes.

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 107 Þet weo on gode weorcas godes luue kepan, and naut idel~ȝelp.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1277 Fra þatt hire make iss dæd Ne kepeþþ ȝho nan oþerr.

†3. To take in, receive, contain, hold. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)]

holdc1000

takec1175

keep1340

harbour1362

containa1382

comprehend1393

comprise1483

carry1517

house1542

refrain1542

to fetch in1565

enharbour1596

inhold1614

reserve1614

c1020 Rule St. Benet (Logeman) xxxvi. 67 Ah þa sylfan untruman..geþyldelice sind to cepanne [L. patienter portandi sunt].

a1225 Leg. Kath. 399 Tu schalt..to curt cumen seoðen, & kinemede ikepen.

c1325 Body & Soul in Map's Poems (Camden) 344/1 Ȝit schalt thou come..to court, and ich the with, For to kepen ure rihte pay.

1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 5408 Helle bynethen þat es wyde and depe, Sal þan be open þam to kepe.

1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7371 Helle yhit es swa depe, And swa wyde and large..that it moght kepe Alle the creatures..Of alle the world.

†4.

a. To take in with the eyes, ears, or mind; to take note of, mark, behold, observe. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > perceive [verb (transitive)]

acknowOE

keepc1000

feelOE

findOE

seeOE

yknowc1275

apperceivec1300

descrivec1300

knowc1300

perceivec1330

taste1340

tellc1390

catcha1398

scenta1398

devisea1400

kena1400

concernc1425

descrya1450

henta1450

apprehend1577

scerne1590

to take in1637

discreevec1650

recognize1795

absorb1840

embrace1852

cognizea1856

cognosce1874

c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 580 Zacheus..cepte þæs Hælendes fær, and wolde geseon hwilc he wære.

c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 268 Menn magon..cepan be his bleo..hwylc weder toweard byð.

c1127 Anglo-Saxon Chron. anno 1127 Soðfeste men heom kepten on nihtes.

a1325 Prose Psalter cxxix. [cxxx.] 3 Lord, ȝif þou hast kept [L. si observaveris] wickednes, Lord, who shal holde hem vp?

c1400 Prymer (1895) 53 Lord! if þou kepist wickidnessis, lord! who schal susteyne?

†b. To watch. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > watch or observe

keepc1000

overseeOE

waitc1300

advisec1325

awaita1375

to wait on ——c1384

markc1400

contemplec1429

to keep (also have) an (or one's) eye on (also upon)a1450

to look straitly to?c1450

to wait after ——c1460

vizy1488

contemplatea1533

vise1551

pry?1553

observe1567

eye1592

over-eye?1592

watch1600

outwatch1607

spell1633

superintend1654

under-watch1654

tent1721

evigilate1727

twig1764

stag1796

eye-serve1800

spy1806

deek1825

screw1905

clock1911

c1000 Lambeth Psalter lv. 7 [lvi. 6] Hig minne ho oððe hohfot cepaþ oððe begemaþ.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 376 While the Stars, and course of Heav'n I keep, My weary'd Eyes were seiz'd with fatal sleep.

†5. To watch for, wait for, await (a coming event or person). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)]

bidec950

keepc1000

abideOE

i-kepe?c1225

lookc1225

bidea1300

sustainc1350

await1393

remainc1455

tarry?a1475

attenda1513

expect1536

to stay on1540

watch1578

remain1585

staya1586

to stay for ——1602

tend1604

to bide upona1616

behold1642

prestolate1653

expecta1664

wait1746

c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 172 Ða munecas..georne ðæs andagan cepton.

a1225 Leg. Kath. 2457 Þe wununge of euch wunne kepeð and copneð þi cume.

c1290 Magdalena 595 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 161 Seiȝe heom þat huy kepen me aftur þe midniȝhte, For þare ich hopie for to beo.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur viii. x Syre Trystram rode pryuely vnto the posterne where kepte hym la beale Isoud.

†6.

a. To lie in wait for, watch for stealthily with hostile purpose; to intercept on the way. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > lie in wait for

keepc1000

waitc1200

aspya1250

awaita1250

wait onc1390

to wait on ——1390

forestall1413

belay1470

to lay fora1513

waylay1513

forelay1548

ambush1555

counterwait1562

to lie for1611

set1670

c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 506 Þa ferde Martinus, and þæt folc his cepte, and hine gelæhton.

a1100 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (MS. D.) anno 1052 Þa sceoldon cepan Godwines eorles ðe on Brycge wæs.

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13420 Whar me heom kepen [c1300 Otho kepe] mihte in ane slade deopen.

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 1964 A gret erl him kepte þer in a wod bi syde.

c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 10 Kebriht he kept at Humber, & on him he ran.

†b. intransitive or absol. To lie in ambush. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make attack [verb (intransitive)] > lie in wait

siteOE

wait?c1225

aspya1250

awaita1250

keepc1275

to sit in wait(s)a1300

lurkc1300

bush1330

to lie at (the) waitc1440

to lie on waitc1440

to lie wait1445

lay one's wait1535

hugger1567

to lie at (on, upon the) lurch1578

couch1582

ambuscade1592

to lie (also stand, stay, etc.) perdu1624

to lie at (or upon the) snap1631

ambush1638

to hole up1912

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13445 Heo comen in ænne wude..sweoren heom bitwænen þat þer heo wolden kepen [c1300 Otho akepe].

†c. transitive. To intercept (a missile); to ward off (a stroke). See kep v. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > ward off harm > specifically a stroke or blow

biberghOE

keepc1175

repela1460

to put bya1530

ward1571

award1579

bucklera1616

guard1654

foil1841

society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > intercept (missile)

keepc1175

society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > stroke with weapon > strike with a weapon [verb (transitive)] > ward off stroke

to bear offc1380

keepc1450

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 153 Þe duntes boð uuel to kepen, þet mon nat nefre on hwilche halue ho wilen falle.

c1450 Merlin 223 Frelent raised the axe..And he kepte the stroke upon his shelde.

†7. To meet in resistance or opposition; to encounter. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > carry on (a contest, fight, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > have hostile encounter with

keepc1275

encounterc1300

rencounter1463

counterc1475

re-encounter1523

c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 11946 Frolle..igræp his spere longe. and kept [c1300 Otho kepte] Arður anan alse he aneoust com.

c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 307 When non wolde kepe hym with carp he coȝed ful hyȝe.

1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xiv. 197 Soyn with thair fayis assemblit thai, And kepit thame richt hardely.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 8332 The knight hym kept, caupit with hym so, That bothe the hathell and his horse hurlit to ground.

†8. To intercept or meet in a friendly way; to greet, welcome. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > welcome > meet on arrival

keep1340

receivec1384

recounterc1500

1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 5028 Againe þe comyng of Ihesu Criste, To kepe him when he doun sal come [cf. 5051 to mete Criste].

c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 1387 Thai..dight tham in thair best aray, To kepe the King that ilk day.

?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 2004 Þe woman rase..And come Cuthbert for to kepe.

a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xxxi. 426 There mon ye kepe hym at his come.

II. Transitive uses (in early use also intransitive).

* To have regard, pay attention to, observe.

†9. To have regard, to care, to reck; in Middle English only with negative: To care nothing, to ‘reck nought’.

a. Const. with genitive, or of. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

a1050 Anglo-Saxon Chron. anno 1013 (MSS. C, E.) Hi nanre brycge ne cepton.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4408 Ȝiff þatt tu nohht ne kepesst her. Noff crist. noff cristess moderr.

c1290 Beket 998 Go hunnes, of þe ne kepe y noȝt.

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 11359 He ne kepte noþing of hor seruise.

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4738 I kepe nouȝt of þi kingdom..ne of þi loueli lemman.

†b. With infinitive or object clause. To care. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > indifference > be indifferent or show indifference to [verb (transitive)]

keepc1175

to give (little, nought, etc.) ofc1300

care1526

to cast one's cap at1546

value1591

slight1618

perfunctorize1866

not to give (also care) a fuck1879

to give a motherfuck1967

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 55 Bute we bileuen ure ufele iwune, Ne kepeð he noht þet we beon sune.

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7191 Ȝiff þatt teȝȝ..griþþ. Ne kepenn nohht to follȝhenn.

a1250 Owl & Nightingale 154 Ne kepe ich noht þat þu me clawe.

c1386 G. Chaucer Can. Yeom. Prol. & T. 815 I kepe han [v.rr. to han, haue, to haue, for haue, for to haue] no loos Of my craft.

c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 2096 Ne how the grekys pleye The wake pleyes ne kepe I noght to seye.

1477 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 503 To any suche bargayne I kepe neuer to be condescentyng.

c1530 Hickscorner in W. C. Hazlitt Dodsley's Sel. Coll. Old Eng. Plays (1874) I. 192 Yet I keepe nat to climbe so hye.

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. viii. 15 I kept not to sit sleeping..till a Queene came.

†c. With simple object. To care for, to reck of; to regard, desire. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > wish or inclination > be disposed or inclined to [verb (transitive)] > be favourably inclined to

reckOE

keep1297

to list ofa1300

to have, take a fancy for, to1465

lean1530

fantasy1548

to run upon ——1550

mind1648

to run to ——1809

whim1842

1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 746 He ansuerede..þat he ne kepte bote hire [Cordelia] one wiþ oute alle oþer þinge.

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iv. 156 So þat Concience beo vr counseiler, kepe I no betere.

c1420 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 270 But as of grauel lond no thing they kepe.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur vi. xv I had kepte no more ioye in this world but to haue thy body dede.

c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) cxli More Ioy in erth kepe I noght bot ȝour grace.

†10. intransitive. To have care, take care; to give heed, attend, look to. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > take care

keep1382

curec1384

carkc1390

carea1593

to have a care1598

keep a care1598

1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Zech. xi. 11 The pore of the floc that kepen to me, knewen thus, for it is the word of the Lord.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 26170 Es na herd set for to kepe Wit right bot til his aun scepe.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 20099 I shal biteche þe a fere Þat trewely shal kepe [Gött. take kepe] to þe.

a1400–50 Alexander 821 Comand kenely hys knyghtez to kepe to hys blonkez.

11. transitive. To pay attention or regard to; to observe, stand to, or dutifully abide by (an ordinance, law, custom, practice, covenant, promise, faith, a thing prescribed or fixed, as a treaty, truce, peace, a set time or day; see further under the nouns).In some of these the sense appears to blend with that of ‘maintain, preserve intact’. In this sense it is usually the opposite of disregard, violate, break.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)]

yieldc825

behold971

hold971

keepc1000

at-holdc1175

takec1300

spare1387

observec1391

to stand by ——c1405

to stick by ——a1530

to stand to ——1537

the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)] > in some prescribed way

keepc1000

society > authority > subjection > obedience > obey or be obedient to [verb (transitive)] > act in conformity to a rule or decree

to stand at ——c1300

to stand to ——c1300

usec1300

keep1387

abidea1393

obeya1393

stand?1435

answer1552

trace1649

c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 324 Swa swa ða clænan nytenu cepað heora timan.

c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 102 Nu ge cepað dagas and monðas mid ydelum wiglungum [cf. 1382 Wyclif Gal. iv. 10 Ȝe kepen [MS. Q gloss or weyten] dayes [Vulg. dies observatis] and monethis, and tymes].

a1380 St. Ambrose 1119 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 25 Whon I come at Rome I kepe þe maner of þat fay..To what churche so euer þou cum Þer of kep þou þe custum.

1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VIII. 19 He bitook his breþeren þre poyntes to kepe, and seide þat he hadde kepte hem..al his lyf tyme.

1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kiij/1 Obeye and kepe hys comandementes.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xlv. 151 I know you wyll kepe couenaunt with me in that ye haue promysyd me.

1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie 3rd Serm. sig. Giiii^v Thy Iudges are vnfaythfull, they kepe no touche..they wyl pretende thys & that, but they kepe no promise.

1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 115 St. Paull commandit..his traditionis to be keipit.

1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling x. §9. 273 As breaking Rules turn'd the first Husbandman out of Paradise, so keeping Rules will bring you into Paradise again.

1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 41. ⁋7 It is certain no Faith ought to be kept with Cheats.

1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset II. lxxx. 346 A gentleman should always keep his word to a lady!

1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xii. 246 Such an oath was one which he certainly had no thought of keeping.

1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors III. xii. 252 He rose; he had to keep an appointment.

12. To observe with due formality and in the prescribed manner (any religious rite, ceremony, service, feast, fast, or other occasion); to celebrate, solemnize.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > worship > liturgical year > feast, festival > observe (feast, etc.) [verb (transitive)]

hallow971

frelsc1000

looka1225

getec1390

keep1463

celebrate1531

observe1539

sanctify1604

1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 17 The wiche messe of our lady I wille the Seynt Marie preest kepe in a whith vestement.

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 53 Ordeynenge þe faste of Lente to be kepede in his realme.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. xxx. 16 They were scatred vpon all y^e grounde, eatinge and drynkynge, and kepynge holy daye.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. clxvij^v Sent to the toure of London, where he without great solempnitie, kept a dolefull Christmas.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxxiiij But what tyme the maryage was in maner appointed to be kept, he died.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclj^v Kyng Ferdinando kept her funerall at Auspurge.

1687 W. Sherwin in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 216 They..keep disputations and other exercises.

1774 J. Hawley in J. Adams' Wks. (1854) IX. 344 He keeps Sabbath at Boston.

1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iii. i. 133 To keep the justs in a place appointed.

1867 C. M. Yonge Cameos lxxxvi, in Monthly Packet Dec. 534 The King was keeping the feast of Easter.

1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Eclogues iii, in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 20 To-day my birthday is kept.

13. To observe by attendance, presence, residence, performance of duty, or in some prescribed or regular way.Formerly in to keep church, to keep evensong, to keep market, etc.; now chiefly in to keep chapels, to keep halls, to keep roll-call (at college or school), etc. See also to keep terms at term n. Phrases 5a, to keep residence at residence n.¹ Phrases 1b. Also, in weakened sense, to keep regular or proper (and so irregular, late, early) hours. See the nouns.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)]

behold971

i-haldOE

yemec1000

usec1300

observec1391

savea1393

conservec1425

keep1479

1479 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 426 The Maire & Shiref shall..kepe theire Aduent sermondes.

15.. in Pref. to Ld. Berners' Froiss. (1812) 13 The King hymselfe..kepte euensong of saynt george in his robe of the garters.

1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) i. 29 They that kepe the chyrch ar parteners of theyr mynistracion.

1608 Bp. J. Hall Characters Vertues & Vices ii. 83 Hee..asks what fare is vsuall at home, what houres are kept.

a1653 H. Binning Serm. (1845) 607 They know not how to be saved, unless their prayers do it, or their keeping the kirk.

a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 81 A Dyer of Oxford, who constantly kept Thame Market.

1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 125 What! you keep Court-Hours I see.

1746 J. Wesley Wks. (1872) XII. 76 I keep my church as well as any man.

a1822 P. B. Shelley Ginevra in Posthumous Poems (1824) 232 And left her at her own request to keep An hour of quiet and rest.

1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet II. x. 223 I keep the kirk, and I abhor Popery—I have stood up for the House of Hanover.

1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. x. 229 So long as he kept his chapels, and did the college exercises required of him.

1894 Ld. Wolseley Life Marlborough I. 229 Early hours were generally kept.

** To guard (from external violence or injury), to preserve, maintain.

14. To guard, defend, protect, preserve, save. (Const. from, †of.)

a. a person.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (transitive)]

shieldc825

frithc893

werea900

i-schield971

berghOE

biwerec1000

grithc1000

witec1000

keepc1175

burghena1225

ward?c1225

hilla1240

warrantc1275

witiec1275

forhilla1300

umshadea1300

defendc1325

fendc1330

to hold in or to warrantc1330

bielda1350

warisha1375

succoura1387

defencea1398

shrouda1400

umbeshadow14..

shelvec1425

targec1430

protect?1435

obumber?1440

thorn1483

warrantise1490

charea1500

safeguard1501

heild?a1513

shend1530

warrant1530

shadow1548

fence1577

safekeep1588

bucklera1593

counterguard1594

save1595

tara1612

target1611

screenc1613

pre-arm1615

custodite1657

shelter1667

to guard against1725

cushion1836

enshield1855

mind1924

buffer1958

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep, maintain, or preserve

holdc1000

i-haldOE

keepc1175

withholdc1200

keepa1325

maintaina1375

preservea1393

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 71 Þu..kep us from his waning, Þat laþe gast, þet laþe þing.

c1330 Spec. Gy Warw. 48 To kepen his soule from þe qued.

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. Prol. 125 Crist kepe þe, sire kyng.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14075 I sal þe kepe forth fra þis dai.

c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 272/2 Kepyn, custodio, servo, conservo.

1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xiv. 48 His goode shelde kept hym.

1593 T. W. Tears of Fancie xxii, in Poems (1870) 189 My Mistres slept: And with a garland..Her daintie forehead from the sunne ykept.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. i. 63 God bu'y you, and keepe you, & heale your pate.

1669 J. Bunyan Holy Citie 18 It is called a City..to shew us how strong and securely it will keep its Inhabitants at that day.

1694 T. Ken Morning & Evening-Hymn in New-Year's Gift 113 Keep me, O keep me, King of Kings, Under thine own Almighty Wings.

1719 W. Hamilton Epist. to Ramsay iii. xiii May thou..Be keeped frae the wirricow, After thou's dead.

1887 A. C. Swinburne Locrine iv. i. 234 God keep my lord!

b. a thing.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep, maintain, or preserve

holdc1000

i-haldOE

keepc1175

withholdc1200

keepa1325

maintaina1375

preservea1393

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3378 He let bi-aften de more del To kepen here ðing al wel.

c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 161 Bernard of Bayoun, þat was kepand þe se.

c1380 Antecrist in Todd Three Treat. Wyclif (1851) 129 To kepe þe chaumbur and halle of noyse and dyn.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 10035 Þer standis thre baylis widvte, þat wele kepis þat castel, For [Trin. Cambr. from] arw, schott and quarel.

1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. aii^v The yettis war clenely kepit with ane castell.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lii. 177 It were better for the to..helpe to kepe a towne or a castell.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccc^v The horsemen were left..to defende and kepe the passage.

1672 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 519 To help in keeping my corner against your enemies and mine.

1683 Plymouth Col. Rec. (1856) VI. 114 Keeping the dores and not opening them to the said John Irish when hee come.

1842 T. B. Macaulay Horatius xxix Now who will stand on either hand, And keep the bridge with me?

1892 St. Nicholas Mag. 14 541/2 They're not keeping our goal as they ought to.

c. from some injurious operation or accident.

ΚΠ

1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) xvi. xciv. lf. 183/2 Salte..kepeþ and saueþ dede bodies fro rotinge.

1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvii. 177 Thai kepit [1489 Adv. kepyt] that fra distroying.

1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 44 Keepe your sweete faces from scorching.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. ii. 57 To keepe him from stumbling.

1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iii. §65. 304 They were wont..to annoint their rolles..with a liquour..which kept them from rotting.

†d. reflexive. To defend oneself; to be on one's guard. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (reflexive)]

were993

keepc1175

skere1390

wait onc1390

shroud14..

mantlec1475

fend1865

c1175 Lamb. Hom. 59 To blecen..his nome and kepen us from hearm and scome.

c1460 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Laud) l. 10071 Was no man..Might kepe hym from that fend felle.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. xvii Sir Tristram drewe oute his swerd, and said, sire Kehydius, kepe the.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. ix. 4 One must kepe him~self from another.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 7860 We are folke full fele..Assemblit in this Cite oure seluyn to kepe.

1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 15 I keepe my selfe as carefully as though I were composed of christall.

†15. To be on one's guard against some action or occurrence; to take care, beware (that…).

a. reflexive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > vigilance > be vigilant [verb (reflexive)] > guard (oneself) against

wareOE

witec1000

lookc1175

keepa1400

watch1489

precaution1700

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 8389 I haue me kept þat neuer oþer wiþ me siþen slept.

c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 372 ‘Kepe þe, cosyn,’ quoþ þe kyng, ‘þat þou on kyrf sette’.

1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 179/1 Kepe y^e wel that thou telle thys vysyon to no man.

†b. intransitive or with object clause. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > vigilance > be vigilant or on one's guard [verb (intransitive)]

watcha1225

warea1325

bewarea1400

keepc1400

waitc1400

lay good waitc1440

to lie in great waitc1440

to look out?1553

to look about1599

awake1602

advigilate1623

to keep an eye open1651

perdue1656

to look sharp1680

waken1682

tout1699

to keep a sharp look-out1827

to keep one's weather-eye open1829

to keep (also have) an eye out1833

to keep one's eyes peeled1844

to watch out1845

to skin one's eyes1851

to have (also keep) one's eye on the ball1937

to watch one's back1949

c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxiii. 108 Before þe dure standez certayne lordes..for to kepe þat nane entre in at þe dure.

c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 130 Wel koude she carye a morsel and wel keepe That no drope fille vp on hir brist.

c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 216 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 69 Þe Iuge..dange hym in a dongeone depe þat he na schapit, bad to kepe [= bade to take care that he escaped not].

c1500 Melusine (1895) 112 Kepe wel ye borow nothing but that ye may yeld it ayen.

1526 W. Tyndale Pathway Holy Script. in Wks. (Parker Soc.) I. 23 We tame the flesh therewith..and keep that the lusts choke not the word of God.

16. To take care of, look to the well-being of; to look after, watch over, tend, have charge of.

a. a person.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)]

hold971

yemeOE

biwitc1000

keepa1325

wait1362

tentc1400

attendc1420

to take guard1426

tend?1521

to have the care of1579

to have, take, give (the) charge of1611

mind1640

to have, take in charge1665

tutor1682

attend1796

shepherda1822

mother1851

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > specifically a person

keepa1325

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2625 Ghe kepte it wel in fostre wune, Ghe knew it for hire owen sune.

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 66 Wiȝtliche wiþ þe child he went to his house, and bi-tok it to his wif tiȝtly to kepe.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16761 Als for his moder Iohn hir keped, And in his ward hir toke.

1420 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 54 I will þat þ^e Nonne þat kepid me in my seknes haue ij nobles.

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 50/2 Mans law serueth y^e gardain to kepe the infant. The law of nature wyll the mother kepe her childe.

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V ii. i. 30 Callest thou me hoste..I sweare, I scorne the title, Nor shall my Nell keepe [1623 Keep] lodging.

b. cattle or the like.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > [verb (transitive)] > take care of

getec1175

keepa1325

a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2772 Moyses was numen..For te loken hirdnesse fare; Riche men ðo kepten swilc ware.

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 8 Þis cowherd comes..to kepen is bestes Fast by-side þe borwȝ.

c1400 Three Kings Cologne 29 Þe schepherdes of þat contrey..be wonte to kepe her flok of schepe in þe nyȝt.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xv. f. cij A citesyn..sent hym to the felde, to kepe [1611 feed] his swyne.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. xvi. 11 There is yet one..and beholde, he kepeth [so 1611 and R.V.] the shepe.

a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. i. 35 Shall I keepe your hogs, and eat huskes with them?

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 93 Flockes of them feeding in the fields, and usually kept by children.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 139 This Neptune gave him, when he gave to keep His scaly Flocks.

1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod ii. ii. 65 David, who kept his father's sheep.

c. a thing.

ΚΠ

a1325 Maudelein 1 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 163 Martha keped swiþe wel Hir londes.

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xii. 115 Archa dei in þe olde lawe leuites it kepten.

c1386 G. Chaucer Doctor's Tale 85 A theef of venysoun, that hath forlaft..his olde craft, Kan kepe a fforest best of any man.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5292 Þe lordshipe of al þis lond To reule & kepe is in myn hond.

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 237 Ȝour hienes can nocht gett an meter To keip ȝour wardrope.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xxii. 7 Yf a man delyuer his neghboure money or vessels to kepe, and it be stollen from him out of his house [etc.].

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xi. 13 b The Caddy, which keepeth the town upon tribute under the king of Alger.

1712 A. Pope Rape of Locke ii, in Misc. Poems 374 Their Heroe's Wits are kept in pondrous Vases.

1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xxiii. 39 The Shadow cloak'd from head to foot Who keeps the keys of all the creeds.

d. to keep wicket: see wicket n. 3a. Also absol.: to act as wicket-keeper.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > fielding > field [verb (intransitive)] > keep wicket

to keep wicket1773

keep1862

wicket-keep1891

1862 Baily's Monthly Mag. Aug. 85 The Surrey people..selecting..a John Walker to keep.

1920 P. F. Warner Cricket Reminisc. 161 Lockyer ‘kept’ for the Players on and off between 1854 and 1866.

1931 Notes & Queries 14 Feb. 121/2 Alfred [Lyttelton], of course, ‘kept’ for England.

1959 Times 29 June 11/4 One of Somerset's clerical wearers of the gloves..who, after ‘keeping’ to W. G...recorded that not a single ball had passed the bat.

17. To maintain or preserve in proper order.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve in proper condition

feeda1000

sustaina1325

keepa1382

entertain1477

uphold1511

upkeep1926

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xliii. 4 Kepende the furneys in the werkis of brennyng.

c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 138 Wel may the sike man biwaille and wepe Ther as ther nys no wyf the hous to kepe.

1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 28 Yeerly to the Sexteyn..viijs. to kepe the clokke.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 320 This Paradise I give thee, count it thine To Till and keep .

1699 M. Lister Journey to Paris (new ed.) 188 This is the only House in Paris I saw kept..with the most exact cleanliness and neatness, Gardens and all.

1827 H. Steuart Planter's Guide (1828) 352 This space is kept with the scythe.

1862 Temple Bar 4 259 His rooms were as neatly kept as those of a woman.

18. To maintain continuously in proper form and order (a record, diary, journal, accounts of money received and paid, etc.). to keep books, to make the requisite entries in a merchant's books so that these shall always represent the state of his commercial relations: see bookkeeping n.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > keep accounts [verb (transitive)]

keep1552

chalk1597

society > communication > record > written record > arrangement and storage of written records > arrange and store written records [verb (transitive)]

keep1552

file1581

administrate1969

1552 Ordre Hospital S. Bartholomewes sig. B.v^v Treasurer Ye shal also kepe one seueral accompte betwene the Renter & you.

1552 Ordre Hospital S. Bartholomewes sig. Cj Almoner Keping one entier and perfecte Inuentarie..in a boke.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. clxxv Notaryes and scribes..whyche shoulde penne, and kepe althynges diligentelye.

1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. vii. 226 The first Registers of Entries are not so exactly kept as at this day.

a1640 P. Massinger Guardian i. i. 36 in 3 New Playes (1655) A hopeful youth, to keep A Merchants book.

1751 C. Labelye Descr. Westm. Bridge 66 The keeping proper Accounts of these was..allotted to Richard Graham.

1803 Pic Nic No. 14. 6 He had kept a journal of all his transactions.

1869 W. Longman Hist. Edward III I. xiv. 262 No record was kept of the losses of the English.

1891 Speaker 2 May 531/1 The useful habit of keeping commonplace books.

19.

a. To provide for the sustenance of; to provide with food and clothing and other requisites of life; to maintain, support. Also reflexive.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide means of support for

findc1225

sustainc1300

found1377

keep1377

maintainc1405

sustent?a1425

support1493

uphold1546

subsist1547

escota1616

fend1637

aliment1660

run1871

grub-stake1879

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. Prol. 76 Thus þey geuen here golde glotones to kepe [A. Prol. 73 Glotonye to helpen].

1568 in J. Small Poems W. Dunbar (1893) II. 306 Spend pairt of the gude thow wan, And keip the ay with honestie.

1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 963 Than Schir Rauf gat rewaird to keip his Knichtheid.

1616 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Scornful Ladie iii. sig. F3 What shall become of my poore familie? They..must keep themselues.

1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling (1672) ii. 16 A husbandman is a man..that makes the ground that bred him keep him.

1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 i. 207 The land would barely keep the cows.

1889 E. Lynn Linton Thro' Long Night I. i. viii. 131 Should he ever be able to keep a wife?

1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. He cannot keep himself yet, but is dependent on his parents.

b. Const. in (the particular item provided).

ΚΠ

1888 ‘S. Tytler’ Blackhall Ghosts II. xix. 117 Jem has to keep us in everything, in clothes as well as the rest.

1890 Mrs. H. Wood House of Halliwell I. xii. 323 He kept the younger ladies in gloves.

20.

a. To maintain, employ, entertain in one's service, or for one's use or enjoyment: in reference to animals or things, there is a mingling of the sense of possession.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > have or possess [verb (transitive)] > possess and use or enjoy > keep for use and enjoyment

keep1548

sport1791

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cxxxiii^v The Frenche kyng..caused.iij.C.men of armes to be kept secretly in their capitaynes houses.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 201 Because thou dost not keepe a dogge.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) i. i. 255 I keepe but three Men, and a Boy yet, till my Mother be dead.

1637 Decree Starre-Chamber conc. Printing §28 sig. H^v No Master-Founder..shall keepe aboue two Apprentices.

1789 J. Brand Hist. & Antiq. Newcastle II. 237 November 24th 1697, there is an order of this society forbidding the apprentices..to keep horses, dogs for hunting, or fighting cocks.

1833 H. Martineau Briery Creek iii. 63 This morning, you thought of no such thing as keeping pigs.

1853 T. T. Lynch Lect. Self-improvem. v. 104 A man..who ‘keeps a gig’, but cannot ‘afford to keep a conscience’.

1860 Temple Bar 1 42 Rich men kept a newsmonger, as they kept a valet.

1893 National Observer 6 May 619/2 He need not himself keep chickens.

b. to keep a woman as mistress: to keep a newspaper as a hired organ: cf. kept adj. 1.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > unchaste [verb (transitive)] > keep (a mistress)

to keep a woman1560

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlix Others kept harlots, & lyued dishonestly.

1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. i. 93 They say hee keepes a Troyan drab.

1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 36 Giving a box on the ear to a Lord that kept her for a time.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 276. ⁋3 I am kept by an old Batchelor.

1728 E. Young Love of Fame: Universal Passion (ed. 2) iii. 196 Philander..In secret loves his wife, but keeps her maid.

1895 M. M. Dowie Gallia 114 It was habitual for women to disapprove of a man who kept a mistress.

21. To have habitually in stock or on sale.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (transitive)] > have for sale or sell habitually

sellc1000

keep1706

carry1866

stock1884

1706 Wooden World Diss. (1708) 57 The worser Liquor he keeps, the more he brews his own Profit.

1851 N. Hawthorne House of Seven Gables iii. 61 [She] gave her hot customer to understand that she did not keep the article.

†22. reflexive. To conduct or comport oneself, behave. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave or conduct oneself [verb (reflexive)]

wieldOE

leadc1175

bear?c1225

steera1250

to take onc1275

contain1297

to shift one's handa1300

demeanc1320

guyc1325

govern1340

keep1362

havec1390

rulec1390

guide14..

conceivea1425

maintain?a1425

maynea1425

behavec1440

disporta1450

orderc1487

use1497

handle?1529

convey1530

gesture1542

treat1568

carry1584

deport1598

bestow1606

comport1616

mienc1680

conduct1706

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. i. 92 Kynges and knihtes scholde kepen hem bi Reson.

c1386 G. Chaucer Doctor's Tale 106 This mayde..So kept hir self, hir neded no maistresse.

c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. 272 I tauȝte him how he schulde kepe him-silf, and how he schulde diete him-silf.

23. To preserve in being or operation; to maintain, retain, or continue to hold (a quality, state, or condition) or to practise or exercise (a habit or action). Cf. to keep up at Phrasal verbs 1 in to keep up 4 at Phrasal verbs 1, 29eHence in many phrases, as to keep silence; to keep affinity, companionship n., to keep company, to keep consort, to keep converse, correspondence n.; to keep even compass, measure n., to keep pace, to keep step, to keep time, tune n., wing n. (with); to keep guard, to keep a lookout, to keep sentinel, to hold, keep ward, to keep watch: for which when the sense is specialized, see the nouns.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] > continue a use or practice

keepc1315

entertain?c1452

retain1481

to summer and winter1602

sustain1602

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > retain a quality or characteristic

keepc1315

reservec1425

retain?a1475

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

sustainc1300

keepc1315

maintainc1390

conservea1425

continuec1460

entertain1490

persevere1502

uphold?1523

containa1538

petrifya1631

conservate1647

to keep on1669

to keep up1670

preserve1677

support1696

fix1712

ossify1800

fossilize1848

c1315 Shoreham 11 The prestes so thries duppeth..gode ȝeme kepeth The ned.

c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 21 So þat þei kepen pacience and charite.

c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 42 Crist kepid ai þat state.

c1475 Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Bk. (Egerton 1995) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 20 Honowre and curtesy loke þou kepe.

c1480 (a1400) St. Machor 343 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 10 He kepyt ay his innocens.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xii. l. 316 That king till him kepit kyndnes and luff.

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 194 Than mon I keip ane grauetie.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 596/2 I kepe abstynence, I forbeare meate and drinke.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. cclxj^v Charitie is not kept emongest you.

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum To kepe bawdrye or whoredome.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 32 Now almost no countrie kepeth either weight or measure one with the other to the great hurt of the Realme.

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 v. iv. 64 Two stars keepe not their motion in one sphere.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. i. 3 Let it keepe one shape.

a1637 B. Jonson Magnetick Lady ii. vi. 143 in Wks. (1640) III You: that will keepe consort with such Fidlers.

1651 R. Wittie tr. J. Primrose Pop. Errours iii. ii. 138 The Ancients..did keep a fequent use of baths and frictions.

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 331 To make them [Lamb-skins] keep their Curl.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 372 To keep no farther correspondence with Duke Hamilton.

1751 T. Gray Elegy xix. 9 Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.

1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. xviii. 41 Did Laon and his friend..a lofty converse keep.

1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 4 Who now keep That calm sleep.

1890 F. M. Crawford Cigarette-maker's Rom. I. iii. 99 The Count himself kept his composure admirably.

24.

a. With complement: To preserve, maintain, retain, or cause to continue, in some specified condition, state, place, position, action, or course.The complement may be an adjective, noun, participle, adverb, or prepositional phrase, e.g. to keep alive, clean, close, dark, dry, fast, holy, open, secret, still, sweet, warm; to keep a prisoner, a secret; to keep going, shut; to keep at arm's length, at bay, at it, at work, in countenance, in readiness, in repair, in suspense, in touch, out of mischief, to time, etc. For these in specialized senses, and for phrases, such as to keep the ball rolling, the pot boiling, one's hair on, one's eye upon, one's eyes about one, one's head above water, etc., see the adjectives or nouns.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep, maintain, or preserve > in a specified state, place, or relation

hold971

keepc1340

c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. 8 Scho [the bee] kepes clene and bryghte hire winges.

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. v. 623 Þe dore closed Kayed and cliketted to kepe þe with-outen.

1414 T. Brampton Paraphr. Seven Penit. Psalms (1842) xix. 8 My synne[s], that I in schryfte schulde schewe, I kepe hem clos for schame or fere.

c1500 Young Children's Bk. (Ashm. 61) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 21 Hande, fote, & fynger, kepe þou styll.

c1500 Young Children's Bk. (Ashm. 61) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 19 Yt kepys hym out offe synne & blame.

a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 165 Scho bad eik Iuno..That scho the hevin suld keip amene and dry.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xxii. 112 To keepe the Arabians..in greater sobriety.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xv. 130 They..kept the portes and passages so shutte, that they kept away the corne.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iii. ii. 28 That power that made you king, Hath power to keepe you king.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 151 It is necessary that their kennell be kept sweete and dry.

1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 102 To keep it continually in the shade.

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 125 I kept the Coolies to their Watch.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 263. ⁋4 It is [thus]..that Hatreds are kept alive.

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 264. ⁋2 While he could keep his Poverty a Secret.

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 126 He is..still kept fast by a string.

1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 iii. 225 The ploughmen could scarcely keep their ploughs in the ground.

1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 66 Keep the door shut, and the devil passes by.

1854 C. Dickens Hard Times i. xiv. 110 In the daytime old Bounderby has been keeping me at it rather.

1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxxi I'll keep him to his promise.

1890 T. F. Tout in F. Y. Powell et al. Hist. Eng. III. 1689. 48 He kept the merchants and tradesmen Whigs by his sound commercial..measures.

1891 Temple Bar Feb. 281 There was the steam-kettle to keep on the boil.

1892 National Observer 17 Dec. 100/1 It promises help..to keep him in funds when he is out on strike.

b. reflexive. To preserve or maintain oneself, or continue, in such condition, etc. (Hence the intransitive use in 39.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain oneself [verb (reflexive)]

keep1362

maintain1481

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. i. 169 Curatours þat schulden kepe hem clene of heore bodies.

a1380 Virg. Antioch 137 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 27 I may me kepe chast eueridel.

c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 2835 This traitour kept him close that night.

1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxiv. 512 Baron, kepe you by reynawde.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xxi. 64 Yf ye can kepe your selfe without spekynge to hym, ye maye than well skape.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 10513 Kepis you in couer, cleane out of sight!

1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Matrimonie f. xiii*^v Wilt thou..forsaking all other kepe thee only to her, so long as you both shall liue?

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. iv. 3 b Theyr watches keepe themselves in an ambush neare unto a wood.

1788 W. Blane Acct. Hunting Excurs. 15 The Prince, by laying hold of the Howdah, kept himself in his seat.

1879 R. Browning Martin Relph 32 The many and loyal should keep themselves unmixed with the few perverse.

*** To detain or hold in custody, restraint, concealment, etc.; to prevent from escaping or being taken from one.

25. To hold as a captive or prisoner; to hold in custody or in restraint of personal liberty; to prevent from escaping.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > punishment > imprisonment > imprison [verb (transitive)]

beclosec1000

setc1100

steekc1175

prison?c1225

adightc1275

imprison1297

laya1325

keepc1330

presentc1380

locka1400

throwc1422

commise1480

clapc1530

shop1548

to lay up1565

incarcerate1575

embar1590

immure1598

hole1608

trunk1608

to keep (a person) darka1616

carceir1630

enjaila1631

pocket1631

bridewell1733

bastille1745

cage1805

quod1819

bag1824

carcerate1839

to send down1840

jug1841

slough1848

to send up1852

to put away1859

warehouse1881

roundhouse1889

smug1896

to bang up1950

c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 219 Þat kept him in prisoun, Edward did him calle.

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xvi. 23 Thei senten hem into prisoun, comaundinge to the kepere, that he diligentli schulde kepe hem.

1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xviii. 512 He..bad haf him avay in hy, And luk he kepit [1489 Adv. kepyt] war stratly.

1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxviii. 16 Paul was suffered to dwell alone with wone soudier that kept hym.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 12084 Þat commly be keppet, ne in cloese haldyn.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. vii. 6 They kept me as prisoner.

1892 Law Times 93 414/2 He did not think that the defendant ought to be kept in prison any longer.

26. To retain in a place or position by moral constraint; to restrain from going away; to cause or induce to remain; to detain. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > from going on or away

stayc1440

retainc1515

to keep ungone1572

keepa1627

bail1879

a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Changeling (1653) v. sig. I2^v Keep life in him for further tortures.

1782 W. Cowper Progress of Error in Poems 416 A dunce that has been kept at home.

1801 Pitt in G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 291 I have been kept till this instant.

1873 C. M. Yonge Cameos cxiv, in Monthly Packet Mar. 232 Colet would fain have kept Erasmus to lecture at Oxford.

1885 ‘E. F. Byrrne’ Entangled II. xviii. 29 Don't let me keep you.

1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. ii. 31 There was nothing to keep me in England.

27.

a. To hold back, prevent, withhold; to restrain, control. Const. from (off, out of).

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > specifically from doing something

conclude1382

restrain1384

refraina1398

keepa1400

to coart of1430

revokec1450

stop1488

contain1523

retract1548

stay1560

retire1567

straiten1622

confine1651

obligec1661

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 2893 Ihesu criste ȝou kepe fra syn.

c1450 Urbanitatis (Calig. A.ii) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 15 In chambur among ladyes bryȝth, Kepe thy tonge and spende thy syȝth.

1539 Bible (Great) Psalms xxxiv. 13 Kepe thy tonge from euell.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclv Yea they..haue not kept their handes also from yonge babes & children.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. i. 160 The Earle of Salisbury..hardly keepes his men from mutinie.

1642 J. Milton Apol. Smectymnuus 43 How hard it is when a man meets with a Foole to keepe his tongue from folly!

1650 A. Weldon Court & Char. King James 139 The Bishops might have done better to have kept their voyces.

1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. vii. 131 Those partial Regards to his Duty..might keep him from perfect Despair.

1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 i. 184 A cold, dry spring may keep the seed from germinating.

b. reflexive. To restrain oneself, refrain, hold back; to abstain. (Hence intransitive, sense to keep from —— at Phrasal verbs 2.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > exercise moderation or restraint [verb (reflexive)]

hold971

withholdc1200

containc1290

keep1340

restraina1387

refrainc1450

retaina1500

attemper1548

retract1548

temper1560

reserve1586

check1833

1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 954 Gude it es þat a man him kepe Fra worldisshe luf and vany worshepe.

c1450 Urbanitatis (Calig. A.ii) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 13 Fro spettyng & snetyng kepe þe also.

1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) xlii. 65 This is a good Ensample to a warraunt and kepe hym self of fals beholdynge.

c1500 Melusine (1895) xxxvi. 295 Hys brother coude not kepe hym, but he asked after Melusyne.

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lix. 205 He..coude not a kept hym selfe fro lawghynge.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. iv. 10 'Tis a foule thing, when a Cur cannot keepe himselfe in all companies.

1892 Black & White 26 Nov. 610/1 I shall not be able to keep myself from strangling her.

28. To withold from present use, to reserve; to lay up, store up. reflexive. To reserve oneself.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > supply > storage > store [verb (transitive)] > reserve

reservea1382

keepa1400

sparea1400

savea1450

to put by1568

to put aside1569

to set byc1595

sepose1609

seposit1657

to lay aside1711

to set away1747

to lay by1786

to lay (also put) past1847

to put away1861

the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from action [verb (reflexive)] > avoid exertion

save1785

keep1868

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 970 Of alkyn frute þat ys þine kepe me þe teynde for þat ys myne.

c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) v. 52 The Gerneres..to kepe the greynes for the perile of the dere ȝeres.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Esdras ix. 21 I..haue kepte me a wynebery of the grapes.

1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse Ep. Ded. sig. ☞5^v Philip..exhorted his friends to keepe their stomackes for the seconde course.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 258 The water of Jordan..the longer it is kept, it is the more fresher.

1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 43 The Anarchs..keep A throne for thee.

1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest II. x. 428 The..Chronicler..seems rather to keep himself for great occasions.

1875 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) III. xii. 77 I have purposely kept that question for this stage of my history.

29.

a. Actively to hold in possession; to retain in one's power or control; to continue to have, hold, or possess. Also absol. (The opposite of to lose: now a leading sense.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)]

holda855

haveeOE

witec1000

at-holdc1175

withholdc1200

keepc1400

reserve?a1439

retain1449

detain1541

to stick to ——1560

contain1600

to make good1606

preserve1617

inhold1726

to hang on to1873

c1400 Mandeville Voiage & Travaile (1839) xxiii. 252 Thei con wel wynnen lond of Straungeres, but thei con not kepen it.

c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) vi. 121 It is power to mowe haue and kepe to hym self.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) x. l. 1241 Off Ryches he kepyt no propyr thing, Gaiff as he wan.

1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Suffolk viii To get and kepe not is but losse of payne.

1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. iii. 212 Ile keepe them all; By God he shall not haue a Scot of them.

1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. iii. §8 With what care they are got, with what fear they are kept, and with what certainty they must be lost.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 93 The great art of keeping him long was, the being easy, and the making every thing easy to him.

1803 Pic Nic No. 8. 3 These poets now keep but a feeble hold of the stage.

1861 Temple Bar 3 336 The variety keeps the children's attention.

1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. May 632 His slim forefinger between its leaves to keep the place.

1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. The difficulty now is not to make money, but keep it; you make it and lose it.

†b. to keep one's own = to hold one's own (hold v. 31a). to keep your luff, to keep your offing, to keep your wind: see the nouns.

ΚΠ

1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 39 If you would..keepe your owne, that is, not..fall to lee-ward.

c. figurative in phrases, as to keep one's temper (i.e. not to lose it): see the nouns.

†d. elliptical. To retain in the memory, remember.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > memory > retention in the mind > retain in the memory [verb (transitive)]

i-mune971

to have (also bear, keep, hold, etc.) in minda1200

withholdc1200

membera1382

treasure1382

demeanc1460

mindc1460

retain1474

keep1574

to take (a thing) with one1577

carry1583

weara1586

1574 J. Baret Aluearie K 23 We keepe those thinges most surely that wee learne in youth.

1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. ix. 141 Thus they shall keepe their Authours, which they haue learned.

e. Colloquial phrase you (etc.) can keep (something): it arouses no desire, envy, or interest in me; I am not interested in (it), I do not like (it).

ΚΠ

1956 J. Popplewell Dead on Nine in Plays of Year XIII. 335 Robert. My hobby's writing plays. Tom. You can keep it.

1962 M. Drabble Summer Bird-cage i. 8 The reviews..talk about his delicate perception and keen wit, but for me they can keep them.

1967 R. Wilkinson Pressure Men viii. 72 I felt better here. They could keep London.

1971 Guardian 11 Dec. 5/1 They're a miserable lot of sods. If that is an example of the spirit of the people of Windsor, they can keep it.

1973 Guardian 12 Apr. 13/3 It makes me a bit sick actually and they can keep their mag as far as I am concerned.

30. To withhold (from): implying exertion or effort to prevent a thing from going or getting to another.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep what is due to or desired by another

ofholdOE

withholdc1200

abstaina1387

keep?1463

to hold up?1499

refrain?1504

outhold1512

detainc1535

to keep back1535

subtracta1538

substract1542

to hold out1907

?1463 R. Cutler in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 260 It is a comon prouerbe, ‘A man xuld kepe fro þe blynde and ȝeuyt to is kyn’.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 282 Mine aduersary, who kepeth wrongfully from me mine heritage.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xvi. 131 Where they would not receive his salvation, the same for ever shalbe kept from them.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 746 Great are thy Vertues, doubtless, best of Fruits, Though kept from Man.

31. To hide, conceal; not to divulge. Chiefly in phrases, as to keep counsel n., to keep a secret adj. and n.: see the nouns.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)]

heeleOE

dernc893

mitheeOE

wryOE

buryc1175

hidec1200

dilla1300

laina1375

keepa1382

wrapa1382

cover1382

conceala1393

curea1400

shroud1412

veilc1460

smorec1480

cele1484

suppress1533

wrap1560

smoulder1571

squat1577

muffle1582

estrange1611

screen1621

lock1646

umbrage1675

reserve1719

restrict1802

hugger-mugger1803

mask1841

ward1881

thimblerig1899

marzipan1974

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xlviii. 6 Thingus..kept ben that thou knowist not.

c1400 Rom. Rose 2858 A felowe that can welle concele, And kepe thi counselle, and welle hele.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxxi^v To the promotours they promise a reward and to kepe their counsel.

1781 D. Williams tr. Voltaire Dramatic Wks. II. 233 Take the money and keep the secret.

1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest II. iii. 63 You must keep our secret, Oswald.

1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xxi There is no keeping any thing from you.

1888 G. Gissing Life's Morning II. xiv. 227 For a week he kept his counsel, and behaved as if nothing unusual had happened.

32. To continue to follow (a way, path, course, etc.), so as not to lose it or get out of it.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > cause to go in a straight course [verb (transitive)] > not deviate from

keepc1425

c1425 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 256 Thowgh ye wepe yet shal ye before me Ay kepe your course.

1553 S. Cabot in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) i. 259 All courses in Nauigation to be set and kept, by the aduice of the Captaine.

a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 339 Vnlesse thou let his siluer Water, keepe A peacefull progresse to the Ocean.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. ii. 1 Nay keepe your way..you were wont to be a follower, but now you are a Leader.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 258 The Friers and Souldiers removed; keeping their course towards Jericho.

1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 234 We kept no Path.

1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh II. 98 Taking care to keep the middle of the road.

1892 Field 21 May 777/1 How the driver kept the track is a marvel.

33.

a. To stay or remain in, on, or at (a place); not to leave; esp. in to keep one's bed, to keep one's room (as in sickness); to keep the house. Cf. to keep to at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > remain in (a place)

holda1387

keep1413

to stick to ——1539

1413 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. xxii. 25 Thou kepyst now thy bed. Thyne ydlenes and slouthe hath this y bred.

c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 1526 His doghtre Clarionas She kept the chambre, as Reason was.

1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xlix. 69 These engyns dyd cast night and day great stones..so that they within were fayne to kepe vautes and sellars.

1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) Acts ix. 33 A certayne man whych had kepte hys bed viii. yere.

1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 4 Sundrie persons..kepe their houses, not mindinge to paie..their debts.

?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 40 The weather being hot, her highnes kept the Castl for coolness.

1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (2 Titus) 343 The Aegyptian women ware no shoes, that they might the better keep home.

1667 Sir E. Lyttelton in E. M. Thompson Corr. Family of Hatton (1878) I. 51 I have kept my chamber ever since last Tuesday.

1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice III. iv. 68 My poor mother is really ill, and keeps her room.

1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 110 To speak plainly, she keeps her bed.

1864 Ld. Tennyson Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 2 In this the children play'd at keeping house.

1885 E. Lawless Millionaire's Cousin iv. 76 Am I bound to keep my own side of the partition?

b. To stay or retain one's place in or on, against opposition; as to keep the deck, to keep the saddle, to keep the field, to keep the stage, to keep one's seat, to keep one's ground.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > against opposition

holda1132

keep1600

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V iv. vi. 2 Yet all is not done, yet keepe the French the field.

1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 99 The tempest continuing (our Boate not being able to keepe the Seas) we were constrained to seeke into a Creeke.

1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. i. 298 Only sixteen men, and eleven boys were capable of keeping the deck.

1823 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 14 555 Not a single tragedy of Beaumont and Fletcher's has been able to keep the stage.

1835 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece I. iv. 113 It [the story] kept its ground in spite of the interest..in distorting or suppressing it.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 579 The wonder is..that they were able to keep their seats.

1890 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 148 435/2 A first-class boat, capable of keeping the sea all the year round.

**** To carry on, conduct, hold.

34. To carry on, conduct, as presiding officer or a chief actor (an assembly, court, fair, market, etc.); = hold v. 8a.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > preside over

govern1340

keep?a1475

oversit1587

overcall1654

preside1665

conduct1839

matronize1877

?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 119 [Silvester] whiche kepede the firste grete cownsayle of Nicene.

1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 202 He wolde kepe parlyamente wyth them.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Macc. iv. 43 Of these matters therfore there was kepte a courte agaynst Menelaus.

1546 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 222 In the same Towne there ys a merkett, wekely kepte.

1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xvii. 102 b There..they kept a generall chapter or assembly.

1634 W. Wood New Englands Prospect i. x. 38 This Towne [sc. Boston]..being the Center of the Plantations where the monthly Courts are kept.

1752 H. Fielding Amelia IV. xi. iii. 147 His Wife soon afterwards began to keep an Assembly, or in the fashionable Phrase, to be at home once a Week.

1871 C. M. Yonge Cameos cvi, in Monthly Packet Aug. 110 Henry was keeping court at Lincoln, where he meant to spend Easter.

35. To carry on and manage, to conduct as one's own (an establishment or business, a school, shop, etc.). to keep house: see house n.¹ and int. Phrases 4b.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > manage or administer

steerc888

leadc1175

guyc1330

guidec1374

governa1382

ministera1382

treat1387

administer1395

dispose1398

skift?a1400

warda1400

solicit1429

to deal with1469

handlea1470

execute1483

convoy?a1513

conveyc1515

mayne1520

to bear (a person or thing) in (also an, a, on) handa1522

keepa1535

administrate1538

solicitate1547

to dispose of1573

manure1583

carry1600

manage1609

negotiate1619

conduct1632

to carry on1638

mesnage1654

nurse1745

work1841

operate1850

run1857

stage-manage1906

ramrod1920

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 40/1 Y^e noble prince..kept his houshold at Ludlow in wales.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. ii. 71 Like a Pedant that keepes a Schoole i' th Church.

1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 29 He kept an Inn common to all passengers.

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 194 Barbers..seldom keep Shop, but go about the City with a checquered Apron over their Shulders.

1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 155. ⁋2 I keep a Coffee-house.

1847 Knickerbocker 30 511 A girl whose education does not qualify her for ‘keeping school’.

1849 E. Chamberlain Indiana Gazetteer (ed. 3) 196 There are in the County..school houses in which schools are kept, a portion of the year, in most of the school districts.

1867 ‘T. Lackland’ Homespun ii. 264 Mr. John Porringer..‘kept’ this school, and was in the way of keeping it so long as he lived and liked.

1877 W. O. Russell Crimes & Misdemeanours ii. xxviii. 427 The keeping a bawdy-house is a common nuisance.

1890 Harper's Mag. Oct. 747/2 They came here and kept lodgings.

36. To carry on, maintain; to continue to make, cause, or do (an action, war, disturbance, or the like). Cf. to keep up at Phrasal verbs 1.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

to hold fortha1325

sustainc1325

containc1330

continuea1340

maintainc1385

carrya1393

keepc1425

to keep upa1535

to stick by ——1551

to hold on1568

to hold out1595

to carry on1609

subsist1633

to keep at ——1825

c1425 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 1825 In man shall thow fynde that werre kept dayly.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccviij^v Warre was to be kepte vpon, hys frontiers.

1568 T. Howell Newe Sonets (1879) 147 Dyd flee from fredom to the courte, Where Venus only keepes the coyle.

1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iii. iv. sig. F3^v What an idle prate thou keep'st? good nurse goe sleepe.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 62 Who is that at the doore y^t keeps all this noise?

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. iii. 69 What a catterwalling doe you keepe heere?

1665 J. Glanvill Sciri Tuum: Authors Defense 41 in Scepsis Scientifica 'Tis strange that the Ancients should keep such ado about an easie Probleme.

a1784 S. Johnson in H. L. Piozzi Anecd. Johnson (1786) 34 The nonsense you now keep such a stir about.

1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna vi. vii. 131 Ships from Propontis keep A killing rain of fire.

III. Intransitive uses. Arising from ellipsis of reflexive pronoun.

37. To reside, dwell, live, lodge. (Frequently in literary use from c1580 to 1650; now only colloquial, esp. at Cambridge University and in U.S.)

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (intransitive)]

wonc725

erdec893

siteOE

liveeOE

to make one's woningc960

through-wonOE

bigc1175

walkc1225

inwonea1300

lenda1300

lenga1300

lingera1300

erthec1300

stallc1315

lasta1325

lodge1362

habit?a1366

breeda1375

inhabitc1374

indwella1382

to have one's mansionc1385

to take (up) one's inn (or inns)a1400

keepc1400

repairc1400

to have (also hold, keep, make) one's residencec1405

to hold (also keep, make, take, etc.) one's mansiona1425

winc1425

to make (one's) residence1433

resort1453

abidec1475

use1488

remaina1500

demur1523

to keep one's house1523

occupy1523

reside1523

enerdc1540

kennel1552

bower1596

to have (also hold, keep, make) residence1597

subsist1618

mansiona1638

tenant1650

fastena1657

hospitate1681

wont1692

stay1754

to hang out1811

home1832

habitate1866

1402–3 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 217 Camera ubi pueri custodiunt.]

c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxv. 117 Þis emperour.. hase many men kepand at his courte.1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 65 Sich as ben gaderid in coventis..the whiche for worldly combraunce kepen in cloistris.1504 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 102 I wyll y^t he or they shall keep at Cambryge at scoole.1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 127 Among the mountaines of this tract, the Pygmæans, by report do keepe.1633 P. Fletcher Purple Island v. xxv. 53 Here stands the palace of the noblest sense; Here Visus keeps.1719 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 214 In y^e Room where M^r Maynard keeps there was acted..a Pastoral.1775 A. Adams in J. Adams & A. Adams Familiar Lett. (1876) 128 I have..been upon a visit to Mrs. Morgan, who keeps at Major Mifflin's.1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan I. 255 A little ‘Virginny gal’ who was ‘keepin’ there.1859 J. Payn Foster Brothers xvii. 314 Where does Mr. Hollis ‘keep’? inquired he of his bedmaker.1883 Cambr. Staircase viii. 137 Holtmore..keeps out of college.1889 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 8 July 3/3 Just where Mrs. Stevens kept in Boston is unknown to history.

38.

a. To remain or stay for the time (in a particular place or spot).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go

bidec893

yleaveOE

leaveOE

wonc1000

abideOE

worthOE

beliveOE

atstutte-nc1220

stuttea1225

atstuntc1230

astinta1250

beleavea1325

lasta1325

stounda1325

stinta1340

joukc1374

restaya1382

to leave over1394

liec1400

byec1425

onbidec1430

keep1560

stay1575

delay1655

to wait on1773

stop1801

to sit on1815

to hang around1830

to stick around1878

to sit tight1897

remain1912

stay-down1948

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxiiij The rest..were driuen to kepe in caues and sellars vnder the earth.

1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke Pref. Being compelled to keepe at home.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) iii. vii. 74 Marcus Octauius..and Celius, are for Sea: But we keepe whole by Land.

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 55 If we had kept on board, we had been all safe.

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 272 I kept..within Doors.

1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola II. xv. 177 He suggested that she should keep in her own room.

1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. III. xxx. 136 I told him to keep where he was.

1891 F. W. Robinson Her Love & his Life III. vi. ii. 112 The wind kept in the proper quarter.

b. Of a school: to be held. U.S.

ΚΠ

1845 Knickerbocker 26 277 One afternoon, when ‘school didn't keep’, some one got into the house.

1867 ‘T. Lackland’ Homespun i. 123 The District School has not ‘kept’ since the week began.

1908 M. E. Freeman Shoulders of Atlas 68 School ain't going to keep today.

39. To remain or continue in a specified condition, state, position, etc.

a. With adverbial or prepositional phrases: see also branch Phrasal verbs 1.

ΚΠ

a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. iii. 77 Keepe in that minde, Ile deserue it.

1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 93 You must recede and keep at distance.

1670 S. Wilson Lassels's Voy. Italy (new ed.) ii. 378 We strangers..must keep out of their way, and stand a loof off.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 263 Creusa kept behind.

1705 tr. W. Bosman New Descr. Coast of Guinea xx. 411 If they have not hit the Buffel they sit still, and keep out of Danger.

1805 Ld. Nelson 20 Oct. in Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VII. 136 To keep..in sight of the Enemy in the night.

1823 Douglas, or, Otterburn II. viii. 102 Mervine kept by the side of his friend.

1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxviii. 171 The men kept in excellent health.

1890 T. F. Tout in F. Y. Powell et al. Hist. Eng. III. viii. iv. 48 He kept in touch with public opinion.

b. with adjective (or equivalent substantive).

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > be permanent [verb (intransitive)] > remain, continue > in specified state

ofstandeOE

atstandc1000

goOE

standOE

containc1380

perseverec1380

contunec1400

to hold inc1400

setc1400

remain?a1450

continue1503

stay1570

keepc1600

subsista1616

c1600 Acct.-bk. W. Wray in Antiquary (1896) 32 80 This..will kepe but one yeare good.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) ii. i. 26 This seruitude makes you to keepe vnwed.

1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. iii. v. 47 When these hot Winds come the better sort of People..keep close.

1814 J. W. Doyle Let. in W. J. Fitzpatrick Life, Times, & Corr. Dr. Doyle (1861) II. 66 We were constantly making efforts to keep clear of them.

1825 New Monthly Mag. 15 406 It will keep sweet a very long time.

1870 J. R. Lowell My Study Windows 120 It is the part of a critic to keep cool under whatever circumstances.

1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xiv. 78 We want to keep friends.

40.

a. To continue, persevere, go on (in a specified course or action).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue doing or keep going in a course of action [verb (intransitive)]

to hold a wayOE

to hold forthc1200

to hold ona1225

reignc1300

lasta1325

continuea1340

to continue doing or to doc1384

pursuea1425

perseverec1425

to hold one's wayc1480

prosecute1528

to go on1533

to run on1533

keep1548

to follow on1560

insist1586

to keep on1589

to carry on1832

to carry on1857

string1869

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxi^v The Dukes messengers..durst not kepe on their iorney.

1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 91 He had such comfort of the king, as he kept on his purpose.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. ii. 10 The Duke..With slow, but stately pase kept on his course.

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 48. ⁋4 We kept on our Way after him till we came to Exchange-Alley.

1857 B. Taylor Northern Trav. 48 We kept down the left bank of the river for a little distance.

1889 W. Westall Birch Dene III. ii. 41 Turn to the left and keep straight on.

1891 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Prisoners & Captives III. xiv. 235 After passing Spitzbergen they would keep to the north.

b. With present participle as complement.

ΚΠ

1800 W. Gifford Baviad (ed. 6) 27 (note) Some contemptible vulgarity, such as ‘That's your sort!’..‘What's to pay?’ ‘Keep moving’, &c.

1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. vi. 131 The Monster..keeps braying away.

1858 N. Hawthorne Fr. & Ital. Jrnls. I. 124 Niagara..keeps pouring on forever and ever.

1890 T. F. Tout in F. Y. Powell et al. Hist. Eng. III. 134 He kept changing his plans.

1892 Temple Bar Feb. 198 She kept tumbling off her horse.

41. To remain in good condition; to last without spoiling. Also figurative to admit of being reserved for another occasion.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (intransitive)] > remain in good condition

lastc1300

keepa1586

preserve1585

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. sig. M8^v Doth beauties keep, which neuer Sunne can burne, Nor stormes doo turne.

1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §627 Grapes..it is reported..will keep better in a vessel half full of wine, so that the grapes touch not the wine.

1705 Lett. in Chr. Wordsworth Scholæ Academ. (1877) 291 When he is to be buried I can't tell, but they say he can't keep long.

1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 198 I had no Hops to make it keep.

1836 T. P. Thompson Exercises (1842) IV. 106 I will defer any observations..till my next. And there was nothing but what will keep.

1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. v. 85 He brought home more venison that would keep in the hot weather.

1889 A. Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xi. 92 Your story, however, can keep.

Phrasal verbs

PV1. With adverbs. to keep away

1. transitive. To cause to remain absent or afar; to prevent from coming near.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > keep (a thing or person) at a distance

to hold offc1420

withhold1513

to keep away1548

to keep off1548

to stop off1722

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxi Her frendes..said, that she was kept awaie..by Sorcerers and Necromanciers.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iv. iv. 22 Let not your priuate discord keepe away The leuied succours that should lend him ayde.

1872 E. A. Freeman Gen. Sketch European Hist. xvii. §3. 352 The French frontier, which first reached the Rhine in 1648, is now kept quite away from it.

2. intransitive. To remain absent or at a distance; to hold one's course at a distance; to move off.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)]

to stand apart1538

to stand off1600

to hold off1604

to keep awaya1616

to keep offa1616

distance1658

to keep one's luff1682

to keep back1836

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > keep at a distance from something

overboweOE

forbowa1000

large1511

cleara1616

to keep awaya1616

to steer clear of1723

to give a good, clear, or (usually since 1800) wide berth to1753

keep a wide berth of1855

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iv. 170 What, keepe a weeke away? seuen daies and nights.

a1889 W. Collins Blind Love (1890) III. liii. 130 I could not keep away from you.

3. Nautical. transitive. To cause to sail ‘off the wind’ or to leeward. intransitive, to sail off the wind or to leeward.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > sail with wind abaft the beam > sail off the wind or to leeward

to keep away1805

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > get into the current of the wind [verb (transitive)] > cause to fall off or to leeward > cause to sail off the wind or to leeward

to keep away1867

1805 E. Berry 13 Oct. in Ld. Nelson Disp. & Lett. (1846) VII. 118 (note) I was determined not to keep away, and I could not tack without the certainty of a broadside.

1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. (at cited word) Keep her away, alter the ship's course to leeward, by sailing further off the wind.

1874 F. G. D. Bedford Sailor's Pocket Bk. iv. 100 If the vessel keeps away [from wind's eye] 5 points she must steam or sail at the rate of 7·2 knots, to be in an equally good position.

to keep back

1. transitive. To restrain; to detain; to hold back forcibly; to retard the progress, advance, or growth of.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)]

pindeOE

steerc950

hold971

forbidc1000

withstewc1175

withholdc1200

stewa1225

crempa1250

bistintc1300

i-stillc1315

withdraw1340

entemperc1380

rebukec1380

forfenda1382

refraina1382

refrainc1390

restraina1393

restayc1400

retainc1415

to hold abackc1440

overholda1450

reclaim?c1450

revokec1450

bedwynge1480

sniba1500

repressa1525

rein1531

inhibit1535

to keep back1535

cohibit1544

reprimec1550

lithe1552

to rein up1574

check1581

embridle1583

to rein in1593

retrench1594

refrenate1599

to hold back1600

snip1601

becheck1605

sneap1611

trasha1616

supersede1645

reprimand1689

snape1691

to clap a guy on1814

to pull up1861

to pull in1893

withstrain1904

1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings iv. 24 Dryue forth, and kepe me not bak with rydinge.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclxiij^v I haue kept backe no man from the true Religion.

1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World v. i. §98. 468/1 He..strongly kept back the Turk from encroachments upon his Dominions.

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 310 The Wheat stands, to endure a farther ripening, being kept back by the Chill Winds.

1848 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 9 ii. 556 Bine that has been kept back..by cold weather.

1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot I. iv. 129 She made a brave effort to keep back her tears.

2. To withhold; to retain or reserve designedly; to conceal.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep what is due to or desired by another

ofholdOE

withholdc1200

abstaina1387

keep?1463

to hold up?1499

refrain?1504

outhold1512

detainc1535

to keep back1535

subtracta1538

substract1542

to hold out1907

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] > keep back, not mention

heelOE

to hold back1535

whust1558

whist1570

to keep in1574

to keep back1612

to keep up1678

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xxxix. [xl.] 10 I kepe not thy louynge mercy..backe from the greate congregacion.

1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. L4^v The church will keepe no part of the liuing backe from the pastor, if he doe his dutie.

1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 120 Some are so close, and reserved, as they..seeme alwaies to keepe back somewhat.

1647 H. More Philos. Poems ii. i. ii. vii Long keppen back from your expecting sight.

1888 G. Gissing Life's Morning II. xv. 302 It really seemed to me as if she were keeping something back.

3. intransitive. To hold oneself or remain back.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)]

to stand apart1538

to stand off1600

to hold off1604

to keep awaya1616

to keep offa1616

distance1658

to keep one's luff1682

to keep back1836

1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) iv. 35 There was a request to ‘keep back’ from the front.

to keep down

1. transitive. To hold down; to hold in subjection or under control; to repress. spec. to retain (food, etc.) in one's stomach, without vomiting.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > destroy [verb (transitive)] > crush, stifle, or overwhelm (feelings, etc.)

shendOE

whelvec1000

allayOE

ofdrunkenc1175

quenchc1175

quashc1275

stanchc1315

quella1325

slockena1340

drenchc1374

vanquishc1380

stuffa1387

daunt?a1400

adauntc1400

to put downa1425

overwhelmc1425

overwhelvec1450

quatc1450

slockc1485

suppressa1500

suffocate1526

quealc1530

to trample under foot1530

repress1532

quail1533

suppress1537

infringe1543

revocate1547

whelm1553

queasom1561

knetcha1564

squench1577

restinguish1579

to keep down1581

trample1583

repel1592

accable1602

crush1610

to wrestle down?1611

chokea1616

stranglea1616

stifle1621

smother1632

overpower1646

resuppress1654

strangulate1665

instranglea1670

to choke back, down, in, out1690

to nip or crush in the bud1746

spiflicate1749

squasha1777

to get under1799

burke1835

to stamp out1851

to trample down1853

quelch1864

to sit upon ——1864

squelch1864

smash1865

garrotte1878

scotch1888

douse1916

to drive under1920

stomp1936

stultify1958

society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] > keep in subjection

to hold down1533

underkeep1590

to keep down1723

snool1735

the world > life > the body > digestive or excretive organs > digestive organs > digest [verb (transitive)] > retain in stomach

to keep down1955

1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. 3 b Sudden flames by force kept downe.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 197 They keepe them low & down by subtraction of their meat.

1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 38 You should..keep down your spirits both in this and other cases.

1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 79 Will kept the Man down, who was under him.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 34 A hundred thousand soldiers..will keep down ten millions of ploughmen and artisans.

1889 C. Smith Repentance Paul Wentworth III. xvi. 291 She had hard work to keep down her tears.

1955 ‘A. Gilbert’ Is she Dead Too? vi. 119 Think you could keep some hot tea down? Well, have a try.

1968 ‘S. Woods’ Past Praying For ii. 71 Nothing had been given to Oliver without Dr. Noyes's consent; and, anyway, he couldn't keep anything down.

1969 A. E. Lindop Sight Unseen xxix. 246 He's best with his Eno's if I can get him to keep it down.

1973 ‘A. York’ Captivator iv. 62 ‘Aren't you going to eat?..’ ‘I don't think I could keep it down.’

2. To keep low in amount or number; to prevent from growing, increasing, or accumulating.

ΚΠ

1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) II. 201 The executors..ought to keep down the interest.

1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 iii. 259 The Tartarian oats kept down the clover.

1851 Beck's Florist Jan. 21 Pick off decaying leaves, and keep down insects.

1869 W. Longman Hist. Edward III I. xvi. 309 Employers..combined to keep down wages.

3. Painting. (See quot. 1854.)

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > art of colouring > colour [verb (transitive)] > modify tone > tone down

to keep down1768

tone1831

1768 W. Gilpin Ess. Prints 210 The effect..might have been better, if all the lights upon it had been kept down.

1805 E. Dayes Wks. 290 Should the objects give a sufficient quantity of Light and Shade, the sky may be kept down.

1854 F. W. Fairholt Dict. Terms Art Kept down, subdued in tone or tint, so that that portion of the picture thus treated is rendered subordinate to some other part.

4. Printing. To set in lower-case type, as a word or letter; to use capitals somewhat sparingly.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] > set in upper or lower case

to keep down1888

1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70

5. intransitive. To remain low or subdued.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > remain subdued

to keep down1889

1889 M. E. Carter Mrs. Severn III. iii. ix. 219 Praying that the wind would keep down for a few hours.

to keep in

1. transitive. To confine within; to hold in check; to restrain; not to utter or give vent to; spec. to confine in school after hours.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > refrain from uttering [verb (transitive)] > silence or prevent from speaking

to stop a person's mouthc1175

stilla1225

to keep ina1420

stifle1496

to knit up1530

to muzzle (up) the mouth1531

choke1533

muzzle?1542

to tie a person's tongue1544

tongue-tiea1555

silence1592

untongue1598

to reduce (a person or thing) to silence1605

to bite in1608

gaga1616

to swear downa1616

to laugh down1616

stifle1621

to cry down1623

unworda1627

clamour1646

splint1648

to take down1656

snap1677

stick1708

shut1809

to shut up1814

to cough down1823

to scrape down1855

to howl down1872

extinguish1878

hold1901

shout1924

to pipe down1926

the mind > emotion > absence of emotion > make emotionally unfeeling [verb (transitive)] > suppress emotions

forbearOE

refrainc1384

repressa1393

subdue1483

suppressa1500

squat1577

to bite in1608

contain?1611

to keep ina1616

swallowa1643

society > authority > punishment > other types of punishment > [verb (transitive)] > confine in school

to keep in1893

a1420 T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum 1015 We..keepe muste our song and wordes in.

1493 Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) vi. sig. Bi^v/1 To kepe in his chyldern that they shold not sterte abrode fro the scole.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. v. 188 It is the more like to be feigned, I pray you keep it in .

1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 24 He is not able to keep in his anger.

1713 J. Addison Cato i. iv Your zeal becomes importunate..but learn to keep it in.

1893 Pall Mall Mag. 1 28 He had been ‘kept in’.., and his schoolmates had all gone.

†2. To keep from public currency. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] > keep back, not mention

heelOE

to hold back1535

whust1558

whist1570

to keep in1574

to keep back1612

to keep up1678

1574 J. Baret Aluearie K 23 To keepe in corne to thende to make it dere.

a1693 M. Bruce Good News in Evil Times (1708) 68 Thanks be to him that hath ay keeped in our Black side yet, and hath not let the World see it yet.

3. To keep (a fire) burning: cf. in adv. 14. Also intransitive of a fire: To continue to burn.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > make a fire > keep fire going

foster?c1225

stove1590

to keep in1659

to keep up1840

to keep on1891

the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > a fire > [verb (intransitive)] > of a fire: continue to burn

to keep in1849

1659 J. Arrowsmith Armilla Catechetica 160 As culinary fire must be kindled and kept in by external materials.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 72. ¶7 They observe the law..which orders the Fire to be always kept in.

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) § 247 This evening's tide we worked with links, and it began to blow so fresh that we had much ado to keep them in.

1849 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 10 i. 149 The fire..keeps in well twelve hours.

1892 Rev. of Reviews 15 Mar. 299/1 The fire can be kept in all night.

4. Printing. To set type closely spaced.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > printed matter > arrangement or appearance of printed matter > appearance of printed matter [verb (transitive)] > set type closely spaced

to keep in1683

1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 382 Keep in, is a caution either given to, or resolved on, by the Compositer, where there may be doubt of Driving out his Matter beyond his Counting off.

1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70

5. to keep one's hand in: see hand n. Phrases 3f.

6. intransitive. To remain indoors, or within a retreat, place, position, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go > within a place

to keep inc1430

to stay in1882

c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 711 Euermore she kept hir in.

1518 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 18 The inhabitants of thos howses that be..infectyd shall kepe in.

1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 250 It still keeps in (like an Owle) all the day time.

1838 F. T. Finch in Bell's Life in London 15 July Though for years we may keep in, we must, at length go out.

7. To keep in line or in touch with.

ΚΠ

1733 Ess. Hunting 47 I could never yet see any Creature on two Legs keep in with the Dogs.

8. To remain in favour or on good terms with. Cf. in adv. Phrases 3a (Now colloquial)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > be good friends > remain in favour or on good terms

to keep in1598

1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iv. v. 96 He kept in, with Cæsar in no lesse fauour then authoritie.

1666 S. Pepys Diary 1 July (1972) VII. 189 Though I do not love him, yet I find it necessary to keep in with him.

1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic II. xiv. 333 Cæsar.. resolved to keep in equally with the Senate and Antony.

1883 W. Black Yolande III. v. 86 He's violent enough in the House; but that's to keep in with his constituents.

to keep off

1. transitive. To hinder from coming near or touching; to ward off; to avert.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > keep (a thing or person) at a distance

to hold offc1420

withhold1513

to keep away1548

to keep off1548

to stop off1722

the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > ward off harm

withhold13..

defendc1330

to bear offc1380

withstand1398

shielda1400

repela1450

to keep off1548

repulse1560

warda1586

fence1589

shelter1621

ward1759

fend-off1830

to fend back1877

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxxiii^v Couered with bordes, onely to kepe of the wether.

1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. iii. 54 Ile giue thee armour to keepe off that word.

1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 24 Having white staves in their hands, to keep off the people.

1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. viii. 11 O Polly..By keeping Men off, you keep them on.

1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxii. 133 An umbrella held up to keep off the sun.

2. intransitive. To stay at a distance; to refrain from approaching; not to come on.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)]

to stand apart1538

to stand off1600

to hold off1604

to keep awaya1616

to keep offa1616

distance1658

to keep one's luff1682

to keep back1836

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iv. iv. 21 You..Keepe off aloofe with worthlesse emulation.

1803 J. Hillyar Aug. in Ld. Nelson Disp. & Lett. (1845) II. 186 (note) The Master..told the Boats to keep off.

1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations II. xx. 334 I..put him away. ‘Stay!’ said I. ‘Keep off!’

1891 Field 7 Nov. 699/2 If the frost keeps off.

3. transitive. To avoid or stay away from; not to use; also as attributive.phr.; keep off the grass: see grass n.¹ 5a.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > [adjective] > placed or kept at a distance > stay away from

to keep off1949

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > non-use > refrain from using [verb (transitive)]

sparec1000

letc1400

to leave overa1646

to keep off1949

1949 M. Mead Male & Female ii. 42 Tchamwole..placed a keep-off sign on the coconut-palm-trees.

1968 Listener 12 Dec. 790/3 Girls at Amman University have been instructed..to keep off heavy make-up.

to keep on

1. transitive. To maintain or retain in an existing condition or relation; to continue to hold, occupy, employ, entertain, or display.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

sustainc1300

keepc1315

maintainc1390

conservea1425

continuec1460

entertain1490

persevere1502

uphold?1523

containa1538

petrifya1631

conservate1647

to keep on1669

to keep up1670

preserve1677

support1696

fix1712

ossify1800

fossilize1848

1669 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 439 Till the end of the quarter..her family should be kept on.

1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 10 If young, they are sometimes kept on for another season, and sent to fold.

1889 A. Sergeant Esther Denison I. i. xi. 138 Bingley asked him awkwardly whether he meant to ‘keep on the house’.

1890 Mrs. H. Wood House of Halliwell II. viii. 213 Let me reproach him as I will, he keeps on that provoking meekness.

2. To keep (a fire, etc.) going continuously.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > make a fire > keep fire going

foster?c1225

stove1590

to keep in1659

to keep up1840

to keep on1891

1891 Rev. of Reviews 15 Sept. 287/2 When a fire is needed to be kept on all night.

3. intransitive. To continue or persist in a course or action; to go on with something. Now frequently with present participle.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue doing or keep going in a course of action [verb (intransitive)]

to hold a wayOE

to hold forthc1200

to hold ona1225

reignc1300

lasta1325

continuea1340

to continue doing or to doc1384

pursuea1425

perseverec1425

to hold one's wayc1480

prosecute1528

to go on1533

to run on1533

keep1548

to follow on1560

insist1586

to keep on1589

to carry on1832

to carry on1857

string1869

1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. iii. 57 In this maner doth the Greeke dactilus begin slowly and keepe on swifter till th' end.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1623) iii. iii. 458 The Ponticke Sea, Whose Icie Current..keepes due on To the Proponticke.

1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 255 We kept on all Night.

1856 Titan Mag. Dec. 516/1 ‘We shall never come across each other again’, she kept on saying to herself.

1889 A. Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xxii. 224 Strike quick, strike hard, and keep on striking.

†4. To keep the head covered. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [verb (intransitive)] > in specific way > types of

to cover (one's head)c1340

scrub1590

wimple1591

sag1592

to go thina1610

to be covered1611

rustlea1616

to keep on1621

veil1714

to shake (have) a cloth in the wind1834

smock-frock1840

pad1873

tighten1896

tight-lace1898

1621 P. Heylyn Microcosmus 314 They..keep on of all sides..counting it an opprobrious thing to see any men vncouer his head.

5. To remain fixed or attached; to stay on.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > be or become attached or affixed [verb (intransitive)] > remain attached

sticka1350

steekc1390

holdc1400

hang1639

stay1684

to keep on1892

1892 Cassell's Family Mag. July 469/2 [His] buttons never keep on.

to keep out

1. transitive. To cause to remain without; to prevent from getting in.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > be on the outside of [verb (transitive)] > keep or shut out

loukc1275

speara1300

beshutc1330

forbarc1330

warn?a1366

to close outa1382

to shut outc1384

steeka1393

again-louka1400

to keep outc1425

outshutc1450

seclude1498

to stop outc1530

to hedge out1549

confine1577

to hold out1583

out-bar1590

debar1593

excommunicate1602

expel1604

immurec1616

c1425 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 770 [He] Wold kepe out that other he shuld nat esyly entre.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xciiij The Sea brake in ouer the walles, that are made to kepe it out.

1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace xxxiv. 575 He teaches them how to paint the glass, that he may keep out the light.

1780 W. Coxe Acct. Russ. Discov. 169 In order to keep out the rain.

1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 84 Locks..To keep out thieves at night.

1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. i. 2 Keep her [a boat] out, Lizzie. Tide runs strong here.

2. Printing. To set type widely spaced.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] > space > set widely spaced

to keep out1683

1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 382 He Sets Wide, to Drive or Keep out.

1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70

3. intransitive. To ‘stay outside’, hold aloof.

ΚΠ

1914 H. H. Asquith in W. R. Inge Lay Thoughts (1926) 127 [As Mr. Asquith said in August, 1914], ‘if we had kept out we should have been left without a friend in the world.’

to keep over

transitive. To reserve, hold over.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)]

forslowc888

eldc897

forsita940

gele971

lengOE

drilla1300

delayc1300

onfrestc1300

tarryc1320

jornc1330

dretchc1380

defer1382

forbida1387

to put offa1387

to put (also set) (something) in (or on) delaya1393

dilate1399

fordrawa1400

to put overc1410

latch?c1422

adjournc1425

prolongc1425

proloynec1425

rejournc1425

to put in respite1428

sleuthc1430

respitea1450

prorogue1453

refer1466

sleep1470

supersede1482

respectc1487

postpone1496

overseta1500

respett1500

enjourna1513

relong1523

retract1524

tarde1524

track1524

to fode forth1525

tract1527

protract1528

further1529

to make stay of1530

surcease1530

prorogate1534

to fay upon longc1540

linger1543

retard?1543

slake1544

procrastine1548

reprieve1548

remit1550

suspense1556

leave1559

shiftc1562

suspend1566

procrastinate1569

dally1574

post1577

to hold off1580

drift1584

loiter1589

postpose1598

to take one's (own) timea1602

flag1602

slug1605

elong1610

belay1613

demur1613

tardya1616

to hang up1623

frist1637

disjourn1642

future1642

off1642

waive1653

superannuate1655

perendinate1656

stave1664

detard1675

remora1686

to put back1718

withhold1726

protract1737

to keep over1847

to hold over1853

laten1860

to lay over1885

hold1891

back-burner1975

1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 6 Some breeders keep them [lambs] over until the next spring.

1893 Field 4 Mar. 331/2 Keeping over old wheat stocks for a rise in price.

to keep to

Nautical. transitive. To cause (a ship) to sail close to the wind.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > get into the current of the wind [verb (transitive)] > keep ship close to wind

to keep to1692

1692 Smith's Sea-mans Gram. (new ed.) i. xvi. 76 In keeping the Ship near the Wind, these terms are used..keep her to, touch the Wind.

1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Keep your loof or Keep her to.

to keep together

1. transitive. To cause to remain in association or union. to keep body (†life) and soul together: to keep (oneself) alive.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > source or principle of life > [verb (transitive)] > sustain life

sustainc1330

lead?a1366

finda1450

sustentate1542

breast1573

subsist1612

to keep body (life) and soul togethera1616

preserve1694

to eke out1825

society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate with [verb (transitive)] > keep together

to keep togethera1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. i. 48 Clo. Would not a paire of these haue bred sir? Vio. Yes being kept together, and put to vse.

1693 N. Tate tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires xv. 301 The Vascons once with Man's Flesh (as 'tis sed) Kept Life and Soul together.

1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 i. 43 It is a poor loose sand..only kept together by the roots of the sea-bent.

1884 Cent. Mag. Nov. 54/2 How on earth they managed to keep body and soul together.

1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. ‘A hard struggle to keep body and soul together.’

2. intransitive. To remain associated or united.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate together or with [verb (intransitive)] > remain associated

to keep together1560

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccccxxxv Let them..kepe together, and in no wise scatter abrode.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) ii. ii. 102 Treason, and murther, euer kept together .

1768 J. Byron Narr. Patagonia 13 It did not become him to desert it as long as the ship kept together.

1820 W. Irving Little Britain in Sketch Bk. vii. 96 I have a particular respect for three or four high-backed, clawfooted chairs... They seem to me to keep together.

to keep under

transitive. To hold in subjection or under control; to keep down.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)]

wieldOE

i-weldeOE

onwaldOE

overwieldlOE

amaistera1250

underlaya1300

daunt1303

underbringc1320

yoke?c1335

undercasta1340

afaitec1350

faite1362

subjecta1382

to make subjectc1384

distraina1400

underlouta1400

underthewa1400

underset1422

subjectc1460

subjuge?1473

submise?1473

dompt1480

suppedit?1483

to keep under1486

abandon1487

bandon?a1500

suppeditatec1545

to bring under1563

reduce1569

assubject1579

overpower1597

envassal1606

assubjugate1609

vassal1612

subact1619

vassalize1647

vassalate1659

to school down1818

to ride herd on (also over)1895

1486–1504 Quinton MSS. in W. Denton Eng. in 15th Cent. (1888) 318 (Note D) For mane men wyll ley owt more to kepe vnder the pore th(en) for to helpe thaym.

1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 19^v Geue them a bit to keep them vnder.

1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. ix. 27 I keepe under my body, and bring it into subiection.

1712 G. Berkeley Passive Obed. §13. 16 Like all other Passions [they] must be restrain'd and kept under.

1843 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 4 i. 116 The services of birds in keeping under noxious insects.

1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster II. ix. 115 She had been accustomed to be kept under all her life.

to keep up

1. transitive. To keep shut up or confined.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > confine [verb (transitive)]

beloukOE

loukOE

sparc1175

pena1200

bepen?c1225

pind?c1225

prison?c1225

spearc1300

stopc1315

restraina1325

aclosec1350

forbara1375

reclosea1382

ward1390

enclose1393

locka1400

reclusea1400

pinc1400

sparc1430

hamperc1440

umbecastc1440

murea1450

penda1450

mew?c1450

to shut inc1460

encharter1484

to shut up1490

bara1500

hedge1549

hema1552

impound1562

strain1566

chamber1568

to lock up1568

coop1570

incarcerate1575

cage1577

mew1581

kennel1582

coop1583

encagea1586

pound1589

imprisonc1595

encloister1596

button1598

immure1598

seclude1598

uplock1600

stow1602

confine1603

jail1604

hearse1608

bail1609

hasp1620

cub1621

secure1621

incarcera1653

fasten1658

to keep up1673

nun1753

mope1765

quarantine1804

peg1824

penfold1851

encoop1867

oubliette1884

jigger1887

corral1890

maroon1904

to bang up1950

to lock down1971

a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. ii. 60 Keepe vp your bright swords, for the dew will rust em.

1654 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 191 Swyne..ought to bee kept up in their styes.

1673 W. Wycherley Gentleman Dancing-master ii. i Have you kept up my daughter close in my absence?

1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews iv. viii, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 120 If his owner..having known what his nature was..hath not kept him [sc. an ox] up.

1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 31 When sheep are kept up in sheds during the winter.

†2. To keep secret or undivulged. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] > keep back, not mention

heelOE

to hold back1535

whust1558

whist1570

to keep in1574

to keep back1612

to keep up1678

1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iii. 177 So long as these things are concealed and kept up in Huggermugger.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 406 They..had not sailed, when the Proclamation came down: Yet it was kept up, till they sailed away.

1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd ii. iii What fowk say of me, Bauldy, let me hear; Keep naithing up.

3. To support, sustain; to prevent from sinking or falling. Also intransitive. To bear up, so as not to break down. to keep the ball up (see ball n.¹ Phrases 1). to keep one's wicket up (Cricket): to remain in, to continue one's innings.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)]

to bear upeOE

underbearc950

bearOE

holdc1000

weighc1200

to hold up1297

upholda1300

sustainc1330

undersetc1330

comforta1382

underbear1382

upbear1390

sustaina1398

upkeepc1412

carrya1425

supporta1425

chargea1500

convey1514

avoke1529

confirm1542

stay1548

to carry up1570

bolster1581

lift1590

upstay1590

atlas1593

sustent1605

statuminatea1628

firm1646

appui1656

establish1664

shoulder1674

to keep up1681

upheave1729

withhold1769

1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace ix. 190 Of great use to keep up the soul above water.

1694 F. Bragge Pract. Disc. Parables xiii. 425 To keep up their spirits.

1801 H. Swinburne in Crts. Europe close last Cent. (1841) II. 299 This ridiculous folly keeps the stocks up.

1868 J. E. T. Rogers Man. Polit. Econ. (1876) ix. 88 The purpose of a trades-union is to keep up the price of labour.

1884 James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Ann. ii. ii. 60 He kept up his wicket until the finish.

1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster II. xii. 262 But for her sweetness and bravery, I never could have kept up through all this terrible trial.

4. To maintain in a worthy or effective condition; to support; to keep in repair; to keep burning.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] > in effective condition

to keep up1552

the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > make a fire > keep fire going

foster?c1225

stove1590

to keep in1659

to keep up1840

to keep on1891

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Kepe vp by cheryshinge, alo, foveo. Kepe vp by maintenaunce, sustento.

1670 Sir S. Crow in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 15 Findeing that business..a burden..to keepe it upp in that perfection I found and made itt.

1678 Lady Chaworth in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 51 The King had a mind..to keep up his army and navy till that peace was made.

1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome vi. 106 The Athenians still kept up regular Professors for all those Sciences.

1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxvi. 86 We kept up a small fire, by which we cooked our mussels.

1875 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) III. xii. 173 A causeway which is still in being and which is kept up as a modern road.

5. To maintain, retain, preserve (a quality, state of things, accomplishment, etc.); to keep from deteriorating or disappearing.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

sustainc1300

keepc1315

maintainc1390

conservea1425

continuec1460

entertain1490

persevere1502

uphold?1523

containa1538

petrifya1631

conservate1647

to keep on1669

to keep up1670

preserve1677

support1696

fix1712

ossify1800

fossilize1848

1670 T. S. & A. Roberts Adventures Eng. Merchant 51 Orders of Men..that keep up the Honour of Religion amongst them.

1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 379 Albano keeps up its Credit still for Wine.

1791 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 20/2 The clergy would, from the calls of their profession..keep up their classical acquirements.

1836 J. Grant Great Metrop. I. ii. 44 They must maintain their dignity; they must keep up appearances.

1884 C. L. Pirkis Judith Wynne I. v. 48 Oughtn't she to have a horse, and keep up her riding?

6. To maintain, continue, go on with (an action or course of action). Esp. in keep it up; spec. to prolong a party, drinking-spree, etc.; to ‘live it up’.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

to hold fortha1325

sustainc1325

containc1330

continuea1340

maintainc1385

carrya1393

keepc1425

to keep upa1535

to stick by ——1551

to hold on1568

to hold out1595

to carry on1609

subsist1633

to keep at ——1825

society > leisure > social event > a merrymaking or convivial occasion > merrymaking or conviviality > make merry [verb (intransitive)] > prolong a party, drinking spree, etc.

keep it up1752

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 53/1 For his dissimulacion onelye kepte all that mischyefe vppe.

1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 51. ⁋2 The Difficulty of keeping up a sprightly Dialogue for five Acts together.

1752 J. Millward Let. in M. M. Verney Verney Lett. (1930) II. ii. xxxiv. 250 When they [sc. the Welsh] get in liquor they are very troublesome and noisy. They kept it up all night.

1783 Ann. Reg. 1781 Hist. Europe 16/1 Continual firing..was kept up during the day.

1788 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (ed. 2) To keep it up, to prolong a debauch. We kept it up finely last night; metaphor drawn from the game at shuttlecock.

1801 Farmer's Ha' (new ed.) lxiii. 62 Clear-blooded health..flees awa' frae keeping 't up, and midnight riot.

1810 M. van H. Dwight Jrnl. 28 Oct. in Journey to Ohio (1912) 16 The men dress much better—they put on their best cloaths on sunday,..& ‘keep it up’ as they call it.

1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers lii. 565 We were keeping it up pretty tolerably at the Stump last night, and I'm rather out of sorts this morning.

1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xiv. 367 The fight is kept up till night-fall.

1874 L. Troubridge Life amongst Troubridges (1966) 76 There were forty-six people and we kept it up till one... I had several good valses.

1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Jan. 11 He and I have kept up a correspondence.

1958 A. Huxley Let. 11 Jan. (1969) 842 Thank you for your long and very interesting letter—written, too, in the most wonderfully black ink... Keep it up!

7. To cause to remain out of bed.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > put in bed or provide a bed for [verb (transitive)] > cause to remain out of bed

to keep up1766

1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. ix. 87 Well pleased that my little ones were kept up beyond the usual time.

1839 W. M. Thackeray Fatal Boots xii Keeping her up till four o'clock in the morning.

1889 A. Sergeant Luck of House II. xxxvi. 228 I will keep you up no longer, for you look terribly pale and fagged.

8. Printing. To keep (type or matter) standing; also, to use capitals somewhat freely.

ΚΠ

1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70

9. to keep up to: to prevent from falling below (a level, standard, principle, etc.); to keep informed of. Also intransitive for reflexive.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > have knowledge of [verb (intransitive)]

canOE

to know of ——c1350

savoura1382

understanda1400

kenc1400

weeta1547

to keep up to1712

to know about ——1761

to be (or get) wise to1896

to wise up1905

to have heard of1907

to be (or get) jerry (on, on to, to)1908

the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] > maintain to a level or standard

to keep up to1712

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > have knowledge, know [verb (transitive)] > make or keep informed

familiarize1593

to keep up to1889

to put (one) wise (to)1896

to wise up1905

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 308. ⁋2 My Lady's whole Time and Thoughts are spent in keeping up to the Mode.

1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Archit. I. 46/1 This Strength in the Corners is..only to keep the Wall up to its duty.

1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 i. 144 It keeps him better up to his work.

1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster III. xv. 41 A London correspondent who kept the country-folk up to the doings of the townsfolk.

1890 Universal Rev. Aug. 633 We should keep up to the mark in these matters.

10. intransitive. To continue alongside, keep abreast; to proceed at an equal pace with (literal and figurative). Esp. (originally U.S.) in to keep up (often keeping up) with the Joneses (or Jones's): to strive not to be outdone by one's neighbours; to emulate one's neighbours; also transferred.

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > keep pace with

to hold a wayOE

to run with ——?c1400

coast1413

endure1588

to keep upa1633

to keep with ——1817

pace1931

the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > be or become equal [verb (intransitive)] > rival or vie with

strive?c1225

countervailc1525

to hold handc1600

compete1620

to keep upa1633

competition1650

tie1680

to fall over one another1888

the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display or show off [verb (intransitive)] > keep up with one's neighbours

to keep up (often keeping up) with the Joneses (or Jones's)1913

a1633 G. Herbert Priest to Temple (1652) ii. 5 They are not to be over-submissive and base, but to keep up with the Lord and Lady of the house.

1706 Wooden World Diss. (1708) 35 He tries every Way..to keep up with his Leader.

1890 W. F. Rae Maygrove II. vii. 272 Don't walk so fast..I can hardly keep up with you.

1913 A. R. Momand in Globe (N.Y.) 1 Apr. 16/3 (Comic-strip title) Keeping up with the Joneses—by Pop.

1926 Amer. Speech 1 281 Today most of us live in automobilia, where the automocracy is everlastingly trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’.

1927 S. Chase & F. J. Schlink Your Money's Worth i. 7 Certain things we buy..to keep up with the Joneses, or happily, to surpass the Joneses.

1933 E. Weekley in Trans. Philol. Soc. 94 This tendency to personify by the use of a familiar name is due to the same psychology which describes the social ambitions of the suburbs as ‘keeping up with the Joneses’.

1952 F. P. Keyes Larry Vincent (1953) xxi. 284 He could not be thankful enough that he did not have a nagging wife, one who insisted on making a show, on ‘keeping up with the Joneses’, as people were beginning to say.

1957 Observer 25 Aug. 7/3 Britain.., always wanting to keep up with the Joneses of the richer South, hankered all the time after white bread only and achieved it one hundred per cent. by the mid-nineteenth century.

1958 Times 8 Nov. 7/2 Keeping up atomically with the Joneses is precisely what the talks were supposed to prevent.

1963 Times 1 Feb. 6/3 Lord Champion said hire-purchase commitments were often entered into through a stupid desire to keep up with the Joneses. This feeling was exploited by doorstep salesmen.

1970 Times 25 May 7/4 We like to keep up with the Joneses and are therefore well disposed to the new definition of democracy.

1971 Times Lit. Suppl. 1393/3 The lesser funerals, of Pooters with Joneses to keep up with, increased in cost, display and competitiveness.

†11. To stay within doors; to put up or stop at.

ΘΚΠ

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [verb (intransitive)] > at the house of another, an inn, etc.

gesten?c1225

innc1390

host?c1450

bait1477

to be (or lie) at hosta1500

hostela1500

sojourn1573

to take up1607

guest?1615

to set upa1689

to keep up1704

to put up1706

lodge1749

room1809

hotel1889

dig1914

motel1961

society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting a type of place > inhabit type of place [verb (intransitive)] > inhabit house > remain indoors

firec1500

to keep one's (or the) house1542

to keep up1704

to settle in1817

1704 Duchess of Marlborough in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 353 I am very sorry to hear Lord Monthermont has had any accident to make him keep up.

1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 195 The Voiturin found himself obliged to keep up five miles short of his stage at a little decent kind of an inn.

12. To continue to maintain a friendship or acquaintance; to keep in touch. (Cf. 6.)

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > be good friends > maintain friendship or acquaintance

to keep up1903

1903 C. Coleridge Life C. M. Yonge iv. 127 She did not seem to be able to keep in personal touch with them... She could not, as we say, ‘keep up’ with them.

1916 E. V. Lucas Vermilion Box xlii. 45 I heard this morning of the death..of two of my oldest friends—Jack Cazalet, who was at school with me, and Sandford Thrale, whom I knew at Oxford. Both went straight into the army, but we had kept up.

1947 ‘N. Shute’ Chequer Board 205 We were all in it together then. We ought to have kept up.

1971 ‘L. Marshall’ Murder's just for Cops xviii. 125 We always kept up—even after I got married.

1971 ‘D. Shannon’ Ringer (1972) i. 20 Mrs. Sneed had known Carolyn..before she got married, five years back, and they had ‘kept up’.

PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses.Chiefly from 38, 39, 40. to keep at ——

1. To work persistently at; to continue to occupy oneself with. Also to keep at it: see at prep. 16b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)]

i-haldOE

to hold fortha1325

sustainc1325

containc1330

continuea1340

maintainc1385

carrya1393

keepc1425

to keep upa1535

to stick by ——1551

to hold on1568

to hold out1595

to carry on1609

subsist1633

to keep at ——1825

1825 New Monthly Mag. 16 490 He should have kept at the law, he would have done for that.

1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 i. 130 By keeping at it all day he is able to get over nearly 2 acres.

1890 Pictorial World 9 Oct. 445/3 Who could keep at work on a morning like this?

1891 St. Nicholas Mag. 261 Still they keep at it, early and late.

2. Hence humorous nonce-compounds.

ΚΠ

1882 J. A. Lees & W. J. Clutterbuck Three in Norway v. 38 In a nice keep-at-it-all-day-if-you-like kind of manner.

1895 Proc. 14th Convent. Amer. Instructors of Deaf p. lxix In school, and out of school,..at work or play; in short, by everlasting keep-at-it-iveness.

to keep from ——

1. To abstain from; to remain absent or away from.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > absent oneself from

discontinuea1475

to keep from ——a1535

refrain1534

dishaunt1608

disfrequent1646

cut1791

skip1824

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 45/1 The prosperyte whereof standeth..in keepynge from enemyes or yll dyande.

c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme lxxiv. 57 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 97 What is the cause..That thy right hand farr from us keepes?

a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 18 You would keepe from my heeles, and beware of an asse.

1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. viii. 10 I shall soon know if you are married, by Macheath's keeping from our House.

2. To restrain or contain oneself from.

ΚΠ

1870 C. M. Yonge Cameos xcix, in Monthly Packet Mar. 250 Nor was Louis able to keep from turning pale.

1889 A. Conan Doyle Micah Clarke ii. 20 We could not keep from laughter.

1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Feb. 150 I could hardly keep from smiling.

to keep to ——

1. To adhere to, stick to, abide by (a promise, agreement, etc.); to continue to maintain or observe. Also with indirect passive.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)] > continue to observe

to keep to ——1625

1625 C. Burges New Discouery Personal Tithes 24 He must keepe to his Rule, or hee damnably sinneth.

1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xviii. 518 Not finding the Governour keep to his agreement with me.

1781 R. B. Sheridan Critic i. i If they had kept to that, I should not have been such an enemy to the stage.

1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 104 I will keep to my resolution.

1825 New Monthly Mag. 15 511/2 The author has kept very closely to the historical facts.

1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. I hope the plan will be kept to.

2. To confine or restrict oneself to. to keep to oneself, also (colloquial) to keep oneself to oneself, to avoid the society of others.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restriction or limitation > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)] > to something

tinec1430

naila1522

conclude1548

astrict1588

to keep to ——1698

pin1718

thirl1864

society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > lack of social communications or relations [verb (intransitive)]

to keep quarterc1550

uncompane1589

to have nothing to say to (also with)1603

to live in (also within) oneself1644

to keep oneself to oneself1748

to fight shy1778

to cultivate one's (own) garden1789

to hoe one's own row1832

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > quality of being restricted or limited > restrict or limit to something [verb (reflexive)]

confine1646

to keep to ——1748

1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 174 He is married to Four Wives, to whom he keeps religiously.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 129. ¶1 Did they keep to one constant Dress they would sometimes be in the Fashion.

1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. v. 27 I was resolved to keep myself to myself till I knew the issue of it.

1788 W. Blane Acct. Hunting Excurs. 17 They generally keep to the thick forests where it is impossible to follow them.

1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. xv. 327 We had much better keep to the road.

1846 ‘Lord Chief Baron’ Swell's Night Guide (new ed.) 45 The divil a rap but that had bin her own, if she'd bin after keeping hersilf to hersilf.

1848 J. H. Newman Loss & Gain iii. ix. 374 What can I have done better than keep myself to myself, go by my best reason, consult the friends whom I happened to find around me, as I have done, and wait in patience till I was sure of my convictions?

1881 G. M. Craik Sydney III. ii. 44 He had merely to keep to the sofa for two or three days.

1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster I. iv. 142 Content with each other, they kept to themselves.

1891 Sat. Rev. 18 Apr. 483/1 She shall keep to her room and he will keep to his.

1905 H. G. Wells Kipps i. i. 7 They ‘kept themselves to themselves’, according to the English ideal.

1960 ‘H. Carmichael’ Seeds of Hate iv. 37 My husband and I like to keep ourselves to ourselves. We haven't got many friends.

1960 D. Lessing In Pursuit of Eng. iv. 158 She keeps herself to herself so much.

1973 J. Porter It's Murder with Dover ii. 17 Miss Marsh has always been one for keeping herself to herself.

to keep with ——

To remain or stay with; to associate or keep company with; to keep up with.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate together or with [verb (intransitive)]

mingc1275

company1387

joinc1390

meddlec1390

herd?a1400

fellowshipc1430

enfellowship1470

to step in1474

accompany?1490

yoke?a1513

to keep with ——c1515

conjoin1532

wag1550

frequent1577

encroach1579

consort1588

sort1595

commerce1596

troop1597

converse1598

to keep (also enter, come into, etc.) commons1598

to enter common1604

atone1611

to walk (also travel) in the way with1611

minglea1616

consociate1638

associate1644

corrive1647

co-unite1650

walk1650

cohere1651

engage1657

mix1667

accustom1670

to make one1711

coalite1735

commerciate1740

to have nothing to say to (also with)1780

gang?1791

companion1792

mess1795

matea1832

comrade1865

to go around1904

to throw in with1906

to get down1975

the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > keep pace with

to hold a wayOE

to run with ——?c1400

coast1413

endure1588

to keep upa1633

to keep with ——1817

pace1931

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) liv. 181 He may as sone go to your enemyes parte as to kepe with you.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 345 Goe then; and..keepe with Bohemia, And with your Queene.

1817 W. Selwyn Abridgem. Law Nisi Prius (ed. 4) II. 940 To keep with convoy during the whole voyage.

1891 Field 19 Dec. 956/3 The very select few who were fortunate enough to keep with hounds.

Compounds

Combinations. Also keepsake n.

† keep-door n. Obsolete a porter, door-ward.Apparently an isolated use.

ΘΚΠ

society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > other manual or industrial workers > [noun] > porter > types of

wine-porter1580

street porter1606

tackle-house porter1606

tackle-porter1607

sealed porter1631

ticket-porter1646

tub-woman1660

keep-door1682

Suisse1763

bamboo-coolie1800

hop-porter1812

plyer1826

night porter1841

fellowship1864

hall-porter1883

mobber1892

redcap1903

badgeman1904

bummaree1954

1682 A. Behn City-heiress iv. i. 45 Good Mistriss keep-door, stand by: for I must enter.

keep-fit adj. denoting exercises, etc., designed to keep people fit and healthy, and (occasionally) a person who does such exercises; also elliptical as n.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > gymnastics > exercise > [adjective] > exercises for fitness

keep-fit1938

1938 M. Carter Living Soul in Holloway vi. 77 Gardening comes into their day's programme and ‘keep fit’ exercises.

1939 ‘N. Blake’ Smiler with Knife v. 88 A healthy, bouncing, Keep-Fit sort of girl.

1961 J. Stroud Touch & Go xii. 119 A Girls' Keep Fit class was in session.

1965 W. Lamb Posture & Gesture ii. 31 There could be a revolution in all physical behaviour pursuits,..including..country dancing, ballet, and ‘Keep Fit’.

1967 O. Norton Now lying Dead iii. 54 Monday he goes to his Keep Fit. Imagine him in his little black shorts!

1971 Fremdsprachen 15 63 Women..going to ‘Keep Fit’ classes.

1974 H. R. F. Keating Bats fly Up vii. 78 The OSP's well-known mania for keep-fit.

† keep-friend n. Obsolete (see quot.).

ΚΠ

1675 Hist. Don Quix. 45 He had besides two iron rings about his neck, the one of the chain, and the other of that kind which are called A keep-friend, or the foot of a friend; from whence descended two irons unto his middle.

keep-left adj. designating a sign, etc., directing traffic to the left of the road.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > vehicular traffic > [adjective] > types of traffic sign or light

stop-go1918

stop-and-go1926

keep-left1936

1936 Discovery Nov. 359/1 Street lamps, traffic bollards, and ‘keep left’ signs are automatically lit.

1962 C. Watson Hopjoy was Here iv. 38 A pair of dogs..coupled on the road's crown and performed a six-legged waltz around a keep-left bollard.

† keep-net n. Obsolete ? a net for keeping fish in.

ΚΠ

1623 R. Whitbourne Disc. New-found-land 75 Ten keipnet Irons..Twine to make Keipnets, &c.

† keep-off n. Obsolete a means of keeping (persons, etc.) off; also as adj., serving to keep (foes) off.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > distance or farness > [noun] > putting or keeping at a distance > something that keeps another thing off

keep-off?1611

fender1615

?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads vii. 121 He fought not with a keep-off spear, or with a far-shot bow.

?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xiv. 759 A lance..To be his keep-off both 'gainst men and dogs.

keep-out adj. designating a sign that prohibits entry.

ΚΠ

1971 J. McClure Steam Pig v. 75 A deserted area surrounded by Keep Out signs.

1974 Times 9 May 6/5 To protect your garden a ‘keep out’ sign is not enough. You also need a tall fence.

Draft additions December 2005

transitive. Originally and chiefly U.S. to keep it real.

a. colloquial. To do things in an authentic or traditional manner; (esp. in African-American usage) to behave unaffectedly, to remain connected to one's origins, culture, or beliefs (frequently in imperative).

ΚΠ

1975 J. Lee & G. Brown Mango Sunrise (record) (title of song) Keep it real.

1977 Washington Post 3 Mar. d9/2 Another reason the affair probably never will succumb to country chic is that promoter Don Liscomb keeps it real. The logs the contestants split and chop are not the butter-soft green poplars used in most such contests.

1994 Chron.-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) 1 Dec. a8/3 ‘Gangsta’ rappers place ‘so much emphasis on keeping it real, and not selling out’.

1999 J. M. Favor Authentic Blackness i. 2 Hip-hop artists remind themselves and their audiences to ‘stay black’ or ‘keep it real’.

2001 S. O'Nan Everyday People 232 Later, dropping him off, Smooth called after him, ‘Keep it real, man.’

2004 South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) (Nexis) 3 Sept. Against the tide of new mooncakes, there are traditionalists keeping it real.

b. To make a dramatic representation or performance as realistic as possible.

ΚΠ

1977 N.Y. Times 26 June d15/4 We're playing it straight. It's bigger than life, so we're trying to keep it real. Often, we'd cross the line out of humor into camp, and then we'd pull back.

1981 N.Y. Times Mag. 12 July 26/2 He can keep it real, as opposed to theatrical.

1984 Newsweek (Nexis) 23 Apr. 79 Keep it real: that's the Duvall esthetic, and by devoting himself to scrupulous, egoless authenticity he has become the most respected character actor of his generation.

2004 B. Lynn Improvisation for Actors & Writers xvi. 84 Martin Short's ‘Jiminy Glick’ is almost over the top, but the actor keeps it real... As a result, Jiminy is an utterly convincing character.

Draft additions June 2014

you can't (also it's hard to) keep a good man down and variants: a good, hard-working, or determined person will ultimately overcome any setbacks or adversity; also used ironically.

ΚΠ

1881 People (Indianapolis) 23 Apr. 6/2 We got out a splendid paper, however, and sold every one, and Reed did the same, which all goes to prove that ‘it's hard to keep a good man down’.

1958 Sun (Baltimore) 5 July 12/2 You can't keep a good man down... Excoriated by the McClellan committee, his big teamsters union booted out by the AFL-CIO for scandalous misconduct, Mr. Hoffa keeps pushing ahead without any discernible pause.

1987 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 12 Oct. 28 Former Arts, Heritage and Environment Minister, Barry Cohen, may have been shunted from the centre stage of Canberra politics but he is living proof that you can't keep a good man down.

1996 F. Popcorn & L. Marigold Clicking iii. 428 As they say, it's not over till it's over. You can't keep a good person down.

2002 J. E. Smith In St. Patrick's Custody 78 Everybody was afraid he would just fade away into oblivion. They should have guessed he would still be pretty active at the church. You know what they say, it's hard to keep a good man down.

Draft additions June 2021

to keep on keeping on and variants: to continue in a course of action, esp. against adversity, in the hope of eventual success; to persevere doggedly in the face of hardship or frustration.

1838 Amer. & Commerc. Daily Advertiser (Baltimore) 15 Sept. 2/1 She [sc. a steamboat] had a rough time of it, but ‘kept a keeping on,’ and got through it [sc. a storm] safe and snug.

1874 Every Sat. 27 June 717/2 Out of sixty publishers to whom they offered their works, not one would take anything... It is well they had courage enough, in spite of disappointments, to ‘keep on keeping on’ at their endeavours.

1946 H. C. Carlisle in Congress. Rec.: App. 92 ii. A3360/3 Keep on keeping on until all hope is gone... Keep on keeping on with your face to the dawn—No night can continue forever.

2017 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 24 Aug. 19 It's a story about endurance... It's about how even though life can set you back quite a lot sometimes, you've got to keep on keeping on.

Draft additions December 2022

keep cup n. (a proprietary name for) a reusable cup, esp. an insulated one with a lid that is used instead of a disposable cup when purchasing a hot drink from a shop for consumption off the premises.The term is not common in North American use.Quot. 2009¹ is from a record of a trademark registration, describing an application made in September 2008 for the stylized words keep cup to be registered in the class of cups and mugs.

2009 Austral. Official Jrnl. Trade Marks 22 Jan. 1446/2 in http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au (accessed 17 Aug. 2022) Keep cup.]

2009 Age (Melbourne) 9 May (A2 Culture section) 6/4 Designed for takeaway trade, the Keep Cup fits under the heads of commercial coffee machines and holds as much as disposable, non-recyclable takeaway cups.

2017 B. Jiwa Hunch 118 In 2015, KeepCups went on sale in selected McDonald's restaurants and the major coffee chain Hudsons.

2022 @MerseymadeUK 25 Mar. in twitter.com (accessed 27 June 2022) Did you know we offer 10% off your takeaway drinks if you bring a keep cup?

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online December 2022).

单词	keep
释义	keepn. Brit. /kiːp/, U.S. /kip/ Forms: Middle English kep, Middle English–1500s kepe, (Middle English kype), Middle English–1500s Scottish keip, Middle English–1600s keepe, (1800s keape), Middle English– keep. Etymology: < keep v. †1. Care, attention, heed, notice; usually in phrases to nim, take, give keep, to take or give heed, take notice. (Const. of, infinitive, or clause.) ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > attention > [noun] gomec1175 thoughtc1175 tenta1300 curec1300 intentc1320 keepa1325 heed1357 attendancec1374 attentionc1374 aspect1393 marka1400 notea1400 advertencea1413 markingc1443 regard1457 advertisementc1487 noticec1487 attent?a1500 advertation?c1500 respect1509 garda1569 intendiment1590 on-waiting1590 attend1594 tendment1597 attending1611 fixationa1631 adversion1642 heeding1678 attendancya1680 perpensity1704 observe1805 intending1876 the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [noun] yemec893 carefulnessa1000 getec1175 gomec1175 tenta1300 curec1300 keepa1325 diligence1340 heed1357 tentivenessa1382 observancec1390 businessa1398 reasona1398 attendancec1400 resporta1413 curiosityc1430 mindingc1449 reckc1475 respect1509 regardshipa1513 looking unto1525 peradvertencea1529 looking toa1535 solicitudea1535 looking after?1537 solicitudeness1547 care1548 solicitnessc1550 caring1556 heedfulness1561 solicitateness1562 hofulness1566 regard1573 charishness1587 on-waiting1590 heediness1596 take-heed1596 respectiveness1598 observationa1616 solicitousness1636 heeding1678 curiousness1690 solicitation1693 attention1741 craftsmanship1850 a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 1333 Bi-aften bak as he nam kep, Faste in ðornes he sag a sep. a1325 Prose Psalter lxix. [lxx.] 1 Ȝeue kepe, God, to my helpe. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 20498 To þis ferli tas all nu kepe. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 20128 Hir sun to serue was al hir kepe. c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) v. 51 A Man ought to take gode kepe for to bye Bawme. 1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. clxxxv What god hath done for you ye take no kepe. ?1602 Narcissus (MS Bodl. Rawl. poet. 212) (1893) 712 I tooke good keepe, and saw thee eke shedd teares. 1647 H. More Philos. Poems iii. iii. xxxvii Who of nought else but sloth and growth doth taken keep. 1886 A. Lang Lett. to Dead Authors 36 As to things old, they take no keep of them.] 2. a. Care or heed in tending, watching, or preserving; charge; originally only in †to take keep. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > [noun] lookingc1300 keepingc1380 charge1389 keepa1400 procuration?a1425 charchec1426 tuition1436 recommendation1483 fostera1500 sussy1513 carec1540 overlooking1565 regard1596 overview1598 accurance1677 protectiveness1847 protectingness1852 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 5729 Moyses þat time tok kepe, To his elde fadris schepe. c1440 Partonope 289 Partanope ys now softe falle on sleepe This fayre lady of hym takyth keepe. a1492 W. Caxton tr. Vitas Patrum (1495) ii. f. ccxli/1 Take euer a besy kepe of thy selfe. a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 12^v Vnder the kepe, and by the counsell, of some graue gouernour. 1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 640 Tak keip to my Capill, that na man him call. 1577 R. Stanyhurst Hist. Irelande iii. 106/2 in R. Holinshed Chron. I Your Dominion in Irelande, whereof they haue so little keepe. 1646 H. More Cupids Conflict 13 in Democritus Platonissans Of his precious soul he takes no keep. 1818 J. Keats Endymion i. 6 If from shepherd's keep A lamb strayed far. †b. That which is kept; a charge. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > [noun] > entrusting to another's care or keeping > person or thing entrusted to another charge1530 keep1579 trust1898 1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. July 133 Often he vsed of hys keepe a sacrifice to bring. 3. Historical. The innermost and strongest structure or central tower of a medieval castle, serving as a last defence; a tower; a stronghold, donjon.Perhaps originally a translation of Italian tenazza. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > castle or fortified building > [noun] > keep donjonc1330 dungeonc1330 keepa1586 reduit1604 main guard1645 redoubt1648 donjon keep1808 donjon tower1808 keep-tower1865 a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) iii. vi. sig. Mm1^v He, who stood as watche vpon the top of the keepe. 1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres vi. 244 The Tenaza or Keepe, which stands without the body of the Castell. 1654 J. Evelyn Mem. 8 June The Castle itself is large in circumference... The Keep, or mount, hath..a very profound well. 1796 E. Burke Let. to Noble Lord in Wks. (1815) VIII. 49 Like the proud Keep of Windsor rising in majesty of proportion, and girt with the double belt of its kindred and coeval towers. 1813 W. Scott Bridal of Triermain i. xiii. 33 Buttress, and rampire's circling bound, And mighty keep and tower. 1819 W. Burgh Notes Mason's Eng. Gard. iv. Note L The Gothic castle..consisted, in every instance, of the keep or strong-hold, and the court or enclosure annexed to the keep. 1876 Ld. Tennyson Harold ii. ii. 46 The walls oppress me, And yon huge keep that hinders half the heaven. 4. An article which serves for containing or retaining something. †a. A meat-safe. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > [noun] receivera1398 resetc1400 receipta1425 receptaclec1425 repository1485 receptorya1500 pot1503 container?1504 hold1517 containing?1541 continent?1541 receptable1566 nest1589 conceptacle1611 keep1617 house1625 reception1646 inholder1660 conceptaculum1691 penholder1815 holder1833 carrier1855 compactum1907 the world > food and drink > food > place for storing food > [noun] > ventilated cupboard > for meat meat whitcha1425 meat ambry1457 gardeviance1459 keep1617 meat house1710 meat-screen1781 meat safe1782 1617 J. Minsheu Ἡγεμὼν είς τὰς γλῶσσας: Ductor in Linguas (at cited word) A Keepe is..also vsed for a safe, which is a thing to keepe the meate from the flies in Sommer season. 1649 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 221 A..cup~bord, a keepe, two wrought chairs. b. A stew, pond, or reservoir for fish; a weir or dam for retaining water. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > fish-keeping, farming, or breeding > [noun] > fish-pond or -tank fish-poolc950 fish-housec1000 viverc1330 stew1387 piscinaa1398 piscinea1400 fishpondc1440 trunk1440 moat1463 stagnec1470 servatorya1475 viviera1500 fish-stew1552 vivarium1600 shut1605 fish-stove1615 keep1617 estang1628 vivarya1634 nursery1772 preserve1849 whalerya1880 fish tank1957 the world > the earth > water > lake > pool > [noun] > artificially confined water > contrivance for impounding water stopping1575 pen1585 stop1585 water stop1585 stank1604 headinga1641 stanch1767 stop-back1790 penhead1805 keep1847 stanking1883 1617 J. Minsheu Ἡγεμὼν είς τὰς γλῶσσας: Ductor in Linguas (at cited word) A Keepe is also used..for a place made in waters to keep and preserve fish. 1847 J. Dwyer Princ. & Pract. Hydraul. Engin. 75 The motion of water over a bar or keep, such as had been calculated for the new cut. †c. A clasp or similar fastening. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > hasp or clasp haspOE claspc1325 snatch1341 clampa1400 clip1488 keeper?1578 keep?1615 ?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xviii. 432 Buttons..made to fairly hold The robe together, all lac'd downe before, Where Keepes and Catches both sides of it wore. d. A strip or block to prevent a piece from moving beyond its proper position. ΚΠ 1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Archit. § 1108 The door-frames..to have keeps (stops) three quarters of an inch thick, and of proper breadth. e. Coal Mining. One of the set of movable iron supports on which the cage rests when at the top of the shaft: = kep n. at kep v. Derivatives. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > mining equipment > [noun] > cage > equipment used with keep1849 butterfly1882 overwindera1884 shoe1883 slipper1883 kep1893 1849 G. C. Greenwell Gloss. Terms Coal Trade Northumberland & Durham 33 The cage rising between the keeps, and forcing them back; but when drawn above the keeps, they fall forward to their places. 1867 W. W. Smyth Treat. Coal & Coal-mining 166 The cage is lifted..a little above the plane of the bank..and then allowed to drop on to the keeps. f. Mechanics. In a locomotive engine: A part of the axle-box, fitted beneath the journal of the axle and serving to hold an oiled pad against it. ΚΠ 1881 Metal World No. 15. 227 Care should be taken in boring out the axle-box keeps, as if the keeps are not bored correctly the journals..will not work true in them. †5. A keeper, a herd (in North America). Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > herding, pasturing, or confining > [noun] > herding > herdsman or woman herdc725 herdmanc1000 lookera1225 tripherd1305 hogger1327 pastorc1400 pastorelc1440 leader1495 pasture-man1547 herd-maid1588 herdsman1603 pastoral1607 feeder1611 creaght1634 herder1635 keep1641 creaghter1653 town herd1760 herd-boy1799 stock-keeper1806 senn1826 herd-girla1856 herd-laddie1865 pastoralist1879 1641 in Rec. Early Hist. Boston (1877) II. 60 If any goates be without a keep after the 14th day of the next moneth..the owners of them shall forfett..halfe a bushel of Corne. 1641 in Rec. Early Hist. Boston (1877) II. 61 [They] shall agree with a Cowe keep for the towne for the present summer. 6. a. The act of keeping or maintaining; the fact of being kept. See keep v. 19 – 24. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > [noun] > preservation in being or maintenance > preserving in proper condition keepingc1330 upholdinga1350 maintaininga1387 maintenance1389 reparation1389 uphold1471 maintain1483 repair1524 keep1763 upkeep1884 upkeeping1899 preventive maintenance1937 the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > [noun] > fact of being kept keep1826 1763 in F. B. Hough Siege Detroit (1860) 191 The Safety and Protection of Schenectady depends in a great Measure on the keep of a good Guard in the Town. 1826 M. R. Mitford Our Village II. 48 Our old spaniel..and the blue greyhound..both of which four-footed worthies were sent out to keep for the summer. 1847–78 J. O. Halliwell Dict. Archaic & Provinc. Words (at cited word) Out at keep, said of animals in hired pastures. b. in good keep, well kept, in good condition; so in low keep, etc. ΚΠ 1808 Proc. Court Martial Lt. Gen. Whitelocke I. 215 Many of them exceedingly good horses, but in low keep. 1811 C. Lamb Good Clerk in Misc. Wks. (1871) 384 As the owner of a fine horse is [solicitous] to have him appear in good keep. c. The food required to keep a person or animal; provender, pasture; maintenance, support. Frequently in to earn one's keep (also figurative). ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > food > [noun] meateOE eatOE foodOE fodderOE dietc1230 gista1290 victual1303 victualsa1375 preya1382 feedinga1398 pasturea1398 viancea1400 viandsc1400 livingc1405 meatingc1425 vitalyc1440 vianda1450 cates1461 vivers1536 viandry1542 viander1543 gut-matter1549 peck1567 belly-cheer1579 appast1580 manchet1583 chat1584 belly-metal1590 repasture1598 cibaries1599 belly-timber1607 belly-cheat1608 peckage1610 victuallage1622 keeping1644 vivresa1650 crib1652 prog1655 grub1659 beef1661 fooding1663 teething1673 eatablea1687 sunket1686 yam1788 chow-chow1795 keep1801 feed1818 grubbing1819 patter1824 ninyam1826 nyam1828 grubbery1831 tack1834 kai1845 mungaree1846 scoff1846 foodstuff1847 chuck1850 muckamuck1852 tuck1857 tucker1858 hash1865 nosh1873 jock1879 cake flour1881 chow1886 nosebag1888 stodge1890 food aid1900 tackle1900 munga1907 scarf1932 grubber1959 the mind > possession > supply > [noun] > provision of means of support or livelihood substancec1384 maintenance1389 sustenance1389 sustentation1389 sustaining1395 findingc1400 uphold1439 retainment1449 exhibition?a1475 entertainment?c1475 upholdingc1480 entertaininga1492 sustenation1496 support1561 alimentation1590 alimony1622 enablement1626 subsisting1698 keep1801 life support1852 palimony1977 1801 J. Austen Let. 3 Jan. (1995) 67 The keep of two will be more than of one. 1815 M. Birkbeck Notes Journey through France (ed. 3) 21 M. Tessier hires the whole of the keep of this flock. He pays £62. 10s. sterling to the farmer for the sheep pasture... He buys Lucerne hay for four winter months..making the expense of keep £142. 10s. sterling. a1825 R. Forby Vocab. E. Anglia (1830) (at cited word) I am short of keep for my cows. 1829 R. Southey Pilgrim to Compostella iv, in All for Love 177 The Corporation A fund for their keep supplied. 1848 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 1st Ser. ix. 139 You're so darned lazy, I don't think you're hardly wuth your keep. 1937 R. Macaulay I would be Private i. xv. 137 Now he can just earn his keep digging treasure on those cays. 1963 A. Ross Australia 63 iv. 99 The four Test stars..whose appearance cost the Tasmanian authorities £A300, again individually and in bulk failed to earn their keep. 1971 Country Life 4 Nov. 1237/2 Under favourable growing conditions this will provide late autumn keep, really valuable spring feed, or both. 1972 Accountant 19 Oct. 497/3 ‘All assets must earn their keep,’ declared Mr Shaw. 7. for keeps: to keep, for good; hence, completely, altogether; also in extended use: in deadly earnest. colloquial (originally U.S.). To play (for) keeps: to play a defensive game in order to remain at the wicket. Originally Australian. ΚΠ 1861 Ladies' Repository Oct. 627/1 Pay him! Nothing. He and I played for ‘keeps’, and I was the best player and won all his. 1871 Wright County Monitor (Clarion, Iowa) 29 Nov. Winter has at last come ‘for keeps’. 1882 F. Pardon Australians in Eng. 109 They don't ‘play for keeps’, as the Australians call it. 1886 Advance 9 Dec. (Farmer) We..promise not to play marbles for keeps, nor bet nor gamble in any way. 1893 S. R. Crockett Stickit Minister 79 She'll even set down the black bag to play for keeps wi' the boys at the bools. 1897 R. Kipling Captains Courageous 263 I'm coming into the business for keeps next fall. 1897 National Police Gaz. (U.S.) 26 May 3/1 He is in the business for ‘keeps’, as they say in America. 1899 H. Frederic Market Place 195 I've got something the matter with me..I've got it for keeps. 1904 Daily Chron. 9 July 7/3 The last five batsmen are men who do not play ‘keeps’; if they are to make runs, they make them quickly. 1904 Daily Chron. 11 Aug. 7/2 This enabled Ranjitsinhji to play his proper game, after having been obliged to play ‘keeps’ for so long. 1905 Westm. Gaz. 19 Sept. 3/2 Any other batsman..would doubtless have played for ‘keeps’ and taken not the slightest risk. 1923 Cricketer Ann. 1922–3 90 To-day, the dominant feature of the game is the individual ‘playing for keeps’. 1926 H. Strudwick 25 Years behind Stumps 82 England batted all day for 221. ‘Playing for keeps’, one paper said. 1933 D. L. Sayers Murder must Advertise xv. 253 Ten to one 'e'll lose 'im for keeps, now. 1949 D. Smith I capture Castle (U.K. ed.) iii. xii. 214 Maybe when I bring you back we shall find it's gone for keeps. 1970 G. E. Evans Where Beards wag All xix. 219 You played for keeps sometimes, in other words all the marbles you won became yours. 1972 D. Lees Zodiac 107 These bastards are playing for keeps... I'm in trouble. 1973 ‘H. Howard’ Highway to Murder ix. 108 Everybody belonged to the rat race where people played for keeps. Compounds keep-tower n. = sense 3. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > castle or fortified building > [noun] > keep donjonc1330 dungeonc1330 keepa1586 reduit1604 main guard1645 redoubt1648 donjon keep1808 donjon tower1808 keep-tower1865 1865 G. E. Street Gothic Archit. Spain 187 The enormous Keep-tower which rises out of its western face. keep-worthy adj. worth keeping, worthy of being kept. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > worth > [adjective] dearc888 dearworthc888 worthlyeOE oughtsOE worthfulOE aughtOE richa1225 gildenc1225 of pricea1325 worthya1325 of (‥) valourc1330 prow1340 dearworthyc1374 of value1395 pricefula1400 presc1400 singularc1400 goldena1425 well-foundc1475 valiant1481 prized1487 prowousa1500 valuable1567 prizable1569 valorous1592 suit-worth1594 bully1600 estimable1600 treasurable1607 treasurous?1611 treasured1675 pearly1770 at a premium1828 keep-worthy1830 good value1842 1830 W. Taylor Hist. Surv. German Poetry I. 182 Bodmer..was the editor of the Zurich charter..and of other keep-worthy documents. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online March 2022). keepv. Brit. /kiːp/, U.S. /kip/ Forms: Past tense and participle kept. Forms: infinitive Old English (Middle English) cépan, Middle English kepan, Middle English -en, (Middle English -in, Middle English -yn), Middle English kep, Middle English–1500s kepe, Middle English–1600s keepe, (1500s keype, Scottish keip(e), 1500s– keep. past tense Old English cépte, Middle English kepte, (Middle English kipte), Middle English– kept; Middle English keped(e, Middle English -id, -yd, Middle English–1500s Scottish -it, -yt. past participle Middle English i-kept, Middle English– kept; 1500s Scottish kepit. Etymology: Late Old English cépan: no related words known in the cognate languages; ulterior etymology unknown. The primary sense in Old English is also difficult to ascertain; the verb appears to have been originally construed with a genitive.The word probably belonged primarily to the vulgar and non-literary stratum of the language; but it comes up suddenly into literary use c1000, and that in many senses, indicating considerable previous development. The original sense may have been ‘to lay hold’ with the hands, and hence with the attention, ‘to keep an eye upon, watch’. About 1000, it was taken to render Latin observāre (originally ‘to watch, keep an eye upon, take note of’), and its subsequent development seems to have been largely influenced by the senses of this Latin word, nearly all of which it has been used to render. It also renders the simple Latin servāre (originally ‘to watch, observe’), and the compounds conservāre , praeservāre , reservāre . In sense there is also close affinity between keep and hold v. (originally ‘to keep watch over’, ‘keep in charge’): in many uses they are still synonymous, and many phrases which have now the one verb formerly had the other; but in later usage, at least, keep implies the exercise of stronger effort to retain, so that have , hold , keep , form a series, the members of which pass into each other with progressive intensity of action. Hold has moreover often a sense of ‘sustain, support, keep from falling’, not belonging to keep. If cépan was an old word, it would go back to an Old Germanic kôpjan ; but no trace of this verb is found elsewhere. Some compare Old English copián* (found only once) = Latin ‘compilare ’, and Middle English copnien to watch or wait for; but uncertainty as to the length of the o in these words makes it doubtful whether they belong to the root kôp- . Kluge (Beiträge VIII. 537) has suggested radical connection with Old High German chuofa , Old Low German kôpa cask, coop (as a thing for holding or keeping). The alleged Flemish kepen in Kilian is an error. Uncertainty as to the original sense makes a historical scheme of the sense-development difficult. In the following, some early (and obsolete) senses are placed first under branch I; branch II has the chief transitive senses, = ‘pay attention, observe’, = ‘guard, preserve’, = ‘hold in custody’, *= ‘conduct, carry on’; III the intransitive senses derived from these; IV the combinations with adverbs. Although the four groups under II are distinct enough in the primary and literal senses, the distinction tends to melt away in the figurative uses, and especially in the innumerable phraseological expressions into which keep* enters; in several cases these combine the notions of two or more groups. In many phrases, also, the sense of keep is so indefinite and so dependent upon that of the object or complement, as to be scarcely capable of separate analysis; such phrases are treated under the noun or adjective in question: e.g. keep company n., keep watch n., keep close adj. I. Early senses (with genitive in Old English, afterwards with simple object). 1. To seize, lay hold of; to snatch, take. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > seizing > seize [verb (transitive)] gripea900 afangOE to lay hands (or hand) on or upon (also in, to)OE repeOE atfonga1000 keepc1000 fang1016 kip1297 seize1338 to seize on or upon1399 to grip toc1400 rapc1415 to rap and rendc1415 comprise1423 forsetc1430 grip1488 to put (one's) hand(s) on (also in, to, unto, upon)1495 compass1509 to catch hold1520 hap1528 to lay hold (up)on, of1535 seisin?c1550 cly1567 scratch1582 attach1590 asseizea1593 grasp1642 to grasp at1677 collar1728 smuss1736 get1763 pin1768 grabble1796 bag1818 puckerow1843 nobble1877 jump1882 snaffle1902 snag1962 pull1967 the world > movement > absence of movement > hold or holding > hold [verb (transitive)] > lay hold of or grasp i-fangc888 gripc950 repeOE befongOE keepc1000 latchc1000 hentOE begripec1175 becatchc1200 fang?c1200 i-gripea1225 warpa1225 fastenc1225 arepa1250 to set (one's) hand(s onc1290 kip1297 cleach?a1300 hendc1300 fasta1325 reachc1330 seizec1374 beclipc1380 takea1387 span1398 to seize on or upon1399 getc1440 handc1460 to catch hold1520 to take hold1530 to lay hold (up)on, of1535 grasple1553 to have by the backa1555 handfast1562 apprehend1572 grapple1582 to clap hold of1583 comprehend1584 graspa1586 attach1590 gripple1591 engrasp1593 clum1594 to seize of1600 begriple1607 fast hold1611 impalm1611 fista1616 to set (one's) hand to1638 to get one's hands on1649 c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 246 Swa hwilcne swa ic cysse, cepað his sona. a1175 Cott. Hom. 243 Gif hi us ofercumeð ne cepeð hi of hus gold ne selfer bute ure bane. 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 2950 Eldol, erl of gloucestre..Barnde & kepte her & þer, & slou aboute wyde. c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 166 Fulle broþely & brim he kept vp a trencheour. †2. To try to catch or get; to seek after. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > endeavour > attempt [verb (transitive)] > attempt to obtain or attain to found toOE keepc1000 seekc1000 throwa1393 minta1400 intentc1450 to try for1534 sue1548 attempt?c1550 reachc1571 assay1595 put1596 to lay in for1599 climba1616 captate1628 court1639 obseek1646 solicit1717 to make a bid for1885 c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 522 Se ðe oðerne lufað..nele he him hearmes cepan. c1000 St. Basil's Admon. v. (1849) 46 Ne kep ðu..ðinum nextan facnes. c1175 Lamb. Hom. 107 Þet weo on gode weorcas godes luue kepan, and naut idel~ȝelp. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 1277 Fra þatt hire make iss dæd Ne kepeþþ ȝho nan oþerr. †3. To take in, receive, contain, hold. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being internal > containing or having within > contain or have within [verb (transitive)] holdc1000 takec1175 keep1340 harbour1362 containa1382 comprehend1393 comprise1483 carry1517 house1542 refrain1542 to fetch in1565 enharbour1596 inhold1614 reserve1614 c1020 Rule St. Benet (Logeman) xxxvi. 67 Ah þa sylfan untruman..geþyldelice sind to cepanne [L. patienter portandi sunt]. a1225 Leg. Kath. 399 Tu schalt..to curt cumen seoðen, & kinemede ikepen. c1325 Body & Soul in Map's Poems (Camden) 344/1 Ȝit schalt thou come..to court, and ich the with, For to kepen ure rihte pay. 1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 5408 Helle bynethen þat es wyde and depe, Sal þan be open þam to kepe. 1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7371 Helle yhit es swa depe, And swa wyde and large..that it moght kepe Alle the creatures..Of alle the world. †4. a. To take in with the eyes, ears, or mind; to take note of, mark, behold, observe. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > perceive [verb (transitive)] acknowOE keepc1000 feelOE findOE seeOE yknowc1275 apperceivec1300 descrivec1300 knowc1300 perceivec1330 taste1340 tellc1390 catcha1398 scenta1398 devisea1400 kena1400 concernc1425 descrya1450 henta1450 apprehend1577 scerne1590 to take in1637 discreevec1650 recognize1795 absorb1840 embrace1852 cognizea1856 cognosce1874 c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 580 Zacheus..cepte þæs Hælendes fær, and wolde geseon hwilc he wære. c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 268 Menn magon..cepan be his bleo..hwylc weder toweard byð. c1127 Anglo-Saxon Chron. anno 1127 Soðfeste men heom kepten on nihtes. a1325 Prose Psalter cxxix. [cxxx.] 3 Lord, ȝif þou hast kept [L. si observaveris] wickednes, Lord, who shal holde hem vp? c1400 Prymer (1895) 53 Lord! if þou kepist wickidnessis, lord! who schal susteyne? †b. To watch. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > watch or observe keepc1000 overseeOE waitc1300 advisec1325 awaita1375 to wait on ——c1384 markc1400 contemplec1429 to keep (also have) an (or one's) eye on (also upon)a1450 to look straitly to?c1450 to wait after ——c1460 vizy1488 contemplatea1533 vise1551 pry?1553 observe1567 eye1592 over-eye?1592 watch1600 outwatch1607 spell1633 superintend1654 under-watch1654 tent1721 evigilate1727 twig1764 stag1796 eye-serve1800 spy1806 deek1825 screw1905 clock1911 c1000 Lambeth Psalter lv. 7 [lvi. 6] Hig minne ho oððe hohfot cepaþ oððe begemaþ. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vi, in tr. Virgil Wks. 376 While the Stars, and course of Heav'n I keep, My weary'd Eyes were seiz'd with fatal sleep. †5. To watch for, wait for, await (a coming event or person). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > expectation > expectation, waiting > wait for, await [verb (transitive)] bidec950 keepc1000 abideOE i-kepe?c1225 lookc1225 bidea1300 sustainc1350 await1393 remainc1455 tarry?a1475 attenda1513 expect1536 to stay on1540 watch1578 remain1585 staya1586 to stay for ——1602 tend1604 to bide upona1616 behold1642 prestolate1653 expecta1664 wait1746 c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 172 Ða munecas..georne ðæs andagan cepton. a1225 Leg. Kath. 2457 Þe wununge of euch wunne kepeð and copneð þi cume. c1290 Magdalena 595 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 161 Seiȝe heom þat huy kepen me aftur þe midniȝhte, For þare ich hopie for to beo. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur viii. x Syre Trystram rode pryuely vnto the posterne where kepte hym la beale Isoud. †6. a. To lie in wait for, watch for stealthily with hostile purpose; to intercept on the way. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > lie in wait for keepc1000 waitc1200 aspya1250 awaita1250 wait onc1390 to wait on ——1390 forestall1413 belay1470 to lay fora1513 waylay1513 forelay1548 ambush1555 counterwait1562 to lie for1611 set1670 c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 506 Þa ferde Martinus, and þæt folc his cepte, and hine gelæhton. a1100 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (MS. D.) anno 1052 Þa sceoldon cepan Godwines eorles ðe on Brycge wæs. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13420 Whar me heom kepen [c1300 Otho kepe] mihte in ane slade deopen. 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 1964 A gret erl him kepte þer in a wod bi syde. c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 10 Kebriht he kept at Humber, & on him he ran. †b. intransitive or absol. To lie in ambush. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make attack [verb (intransitive)] > lie in wait siteOE wait?c1225 aspya1250 awaita1250 keepc1275 to sit in wait(s)a1300 lurkc1300 bush1330 to lie at (the) waitc1440 to lie on waitc1440 to lie wait1445 lay one's wait1535 hugger1567 to lie at (on, upon the) lurch1578 couch1582 ambuscade1592 to lie (also stand, stay, etc.) perdu1624 to lie at (or upon the) snap1631 ambush1638 to hole up1912 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 13445 Heo comen in ænne wude..sweoren heom bitwænen þat þer heo wolden kepen [c1300 Otho akepe]. †c. transitive. To intercept (a missile); to ward off (a stroke). See kep v. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > ward off harm > specifically a stroke or blow biberghOE keepc1175 repela1460 to put bya1530 ward1571 award1579 bucklera1616 guard1654 foil1841 society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > intercept (missile) keepc1175 society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > stroke with weapon > strike with a weapon [verb (transitive)] > ward off stroke to bear offc1380 keepc1450 c1175 Lamb. Hom. 153 Þe duntes boð uuel to kepen, þet mon nat nefre on hwilche halue ho wilen falle. c1450 Merlin 223 Frelent raised the axe..And he kepte the stroke upon his shelde. †7. To meet in resistance or opposition; to encounter. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > dissent > contention or strife > carry on (a contest, fight, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > have hostile encounter with keepc1275 encounterc1300 rencounter1463 counterc1475 re-encounter1523 c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 11946 Frolle..igræp his spere longe. and kept [c1300 Otho kepte] Arður anan alse he aneoust com. c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 307 When non wolde kepe hym with carp he coȝed ful hyȝe. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xiv. 197 Soyn with thair fayis assemblit thai, And kepit thame richt hardely. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 8332 The knight hym kept, caupit with hym so, That bothe the hathell and his horse hurlit to ground. †8. To intercept or meet in a friendly way; to greet, welcome. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)] > welcome > meet on arrival keep1340 receivec1384 recounterc1500 1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 5028 Againe þe comyng of Ihesu Criste, To kepe him when he doun sal come [cf. 5051 to mete Criste]. c1400 Ywaine & Gaw. 1387 Thai..dight tham in thair best aray, To kepe the King that ilk day. ?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 2004 Þe woman rase..And come Cuthbert for to kepe. a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xxxi. 426 There mon ye kepe hym at his come. II. Transitive uses (in early use also intransitive). * To have regard, pay attention to, observe. †9. To have regard, to care, to reck; in Middle English only with negative: To care nothing, to ‘reck nought’. a. Const. with genitive, or of. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1050 Anglo-Saxon Chron. anno 1013 (MSS. C, E.) Hi nanre brycge ne cepton. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4408 Ȝiff þatt tu nohht ne kepesst her. Noff crist. noff cristess moderr. c1290 Beket 998 Go hunnes, of þe ne kepe y noȝt. 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 11359 He ne kepte noþing of hor seruise. a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 4738 I kepe nouȝt of þi kingdom..ne of þi loueli lemman. †b. With infinitive or object clause. To care. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > indifference > be indifferent or show indifference to [verb (transitive)] keepc1175 to give (little, nought, etc.) ofc1300 care1526 to cast one's cap at1546 value1591 slight1618 perfunctorize1866 not to give (also care) a fuck1879 to give a motherfuck1967 c1175 Lamb. Hom. 55 Bute we bileuen ure ufele iwune, Ne kepeð he noht þet we beon sune. c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7191 Ȝiff þatt teȝȝ..griþþ. Ne kepenn nohht to follȝhenn. a1250 Owl & Nightingale 154 Ne kepe ich noht þat þu me clawe. c1386 G. Chaucer Can. Yeom. Prol. & T. 815 I kepe han [v.rr. to han, haue, to haue, for haue, for to haue] no loos Of my craft. c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer Knight's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 2096 Ne how the grekys pleye The wake pleyes ne kepe I noght to seye. 1477 J. Paston in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) I. 503 To any suche bargayne I kepe neuer to be condescentyng. c1530 Hickscorner in W. C. Hazlitt Dodsley's Sel. Coll. Old Eng. Plays (1874) I. 192 Yet I keepe nat to climbe so hye. 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. viii. 15 I kept not to sit sleeping..till a Queene came. †c. With simple object. To care for, to reck of; to regard, desire. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > wish or inclination > be disposed or inclined to [verb (transitive)] > be favourably inclined to reckOE keep1297 to list ofa1300 to have, take a fancy for, to1465 lean1530 fantasy1548 to run upon ——1550 mind1648 to run to ——1809 whim1842 1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 746 He ansuerede..þat he ne kepte bote hire [Cordelia] one wiþ oute alle oþer þinge. 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. iv. 156 So þat Concience beo vr counseiler, kepe I no betere. c1420 Pallad. on Husb. xii. 270 But as of grauel lond no thing they kepe. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur vi. xv I had kepte no more ioye in this world but to haue thy body dede. c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) cxli More Ioy in erth kepe I noght bot ȝour grace. †10. intransitive. To have care, take care; to give heed, attend, look to. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > take care keep1382 curec1384 carkc1390 carea1593 to have a care1598 keep a care1598 1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Zech. xi. 11 The pore of the floc that kepen to me, knewen thus, for it is the word of the Lord. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 26170 Es na herd set for to kepe Wit right bot til his aun scepe. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 20099 I shal biteche þe a fere Þat trewely shal kepe [Gött. take kepe] to þe. a1400–50 Alexander 821 Comand kenely hys knyghtez to kepe to hys blonkez. 11. transitive. To pay attention or regard to; to observe, stand to, or dutifully abide by (an ordinance, law, custom, practice, covenant, promise, faith, a thing prescribed or fixed, as a treaty, truce, peace, a set time or day; see further under the nouns).In some of these the sense appears to blend with that of ‘maintain, preserve intact’. In this sense it is usually the opposite of disregard, violate, break. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)] yieldc825 behold971 hold971 keepc1000 at-holdc1175 takec1300 spare1387 observec1391 to stand by ——c1405 to stick by ——a1530 to stand to ——1537 the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)] > in some prescribed way keepc1000 society > authority > subjection > obedience > obey or be obedient to [verb (transitive)] > act in conformity to a rule or decree to stand at ——c1300 to stand to ——c1300 usec1300 keep1387 abidea1393 obeya1393 stand?1435 answer1552 trace1649 c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 324 Swa swa ða clænan nytenu cepað heora timan. c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 102 Nu ge cepað dagas and monðas mid ydelum wiglungum [cf. 1382 Wyclif Gal. iv. 10 Ȝe kepen [MS. Q gloss or weyten] dayes [Vulg. dies observatis] and monethis, and tymes]. a1380 St. Ambrose 1119 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 25 Whon I come at Rome I kepe þe maner of þat fay..To what churche so euer þou cum Þer of kep þou þe custum. 1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Rolls) VIII. 19 He bitook his breþeren þre poyntes to kepe, and seide þat he hadde kepte hem..al his lyf tyme. 1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. kiij/1 Obeye and kepe hys comandementes. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xlv. 151 I know you wyll kepe couenaunt with me in that ye haue promysyd me. 1549 H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie 3rd Serm. sig. Giiii^v Thy Iudges are vnfaythfull, they kepe no touche..they wyl pretende thys & that, but they kepe no promise. 1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 115 St. Paull commandit..his traditionis to be keipit. 1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling x. §9. 273 As breaking Rules turn'd the first Husbandman out of Paradise, so keeping Rules will bring you into Paradise again. 1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 41. ⁋7 It is certain no Faith ought to be kept with Cheats. 1867 A. Trollope Last Chron. Barset II. lxxx. 346 A gentleman should always keep his word to a lady! 1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xii. 246 Such an oath was one which he certainly had no thought of keeping. 1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors III. xii. 252 He rose; he had to keep an appointment. 12. To observe with due formality and in the prescribed manner (any religious rite, ceremony, service, feast, fast, or other occasion); to celebrate, solemnize. ΘΚΠ society > faith > worship > liturgical year > feast, festival > observe (feast, etc.) [verb (transitive)] hallow971 frelsc1000 looka1225 getec1390 keep1463 celebrate1531 observe1539 sanctify1604 1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 17 The wiche messe of our lady I wille the Seynt Marie preest kepe in a whith vestement. ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1876) VI. 53 Ordeynenge þe faste of Lente to be kepede in his realme. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. xxx. 16 They were scatred vpon all y^e grounde, eatinge and drynkynge, and kepynge holy daye. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. clxvij^v Sent to the toure of London, where he without great solempnitie, kept a dolefull Christmas. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxxiiij But what tyme the maryage was in maner appointed to be kept, he died. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclj^v Kyng Ferdinando kept her funerall at Auspurge. 1687 W. Sherwin in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 216 They..keep disputations and other exercises. 1774 J. Hawley in J. Adams' Wks. (1854) IX. 344 He keeps Sabbath at Boston. 1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod iii. i. 133 To keep the justs in a place appointed. 1867 C. M. Yonge Cameos lxxxvi, in Monthly Packet Dec. 534 The King was keeping the feast of Easter. 1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Eclogues iii, in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 20 To-day my birthday is kept. 13. To observe by attendance, presence, residence, performance of duty, or in some prescribed or regular way.Formerly in to keep church, to keep evensong, to keep market, etc.; now chiefly in to keep chapels, to keep halls, to keep roll-call (at college or school), etc. See also to keep terms at term n. Phrases 5a, to keep residence at residence n.¹ Phrases 1b. Also, in weakened sense, to keep regular or proper (and so irregular, late, early) hours. See the nouns. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)] behold971 i-haldOE yemec1000 usec1300 observec1391 savea1393 conservec1425 keep1479 1479 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 426 The Maire & Shiref shall..kepe theire Aduent sermondes. 15.. in Pref. to Ld. Berners' Froiss. (1812) 13 The King hymselfe..kepte euensong of saynt george in his robe of the garters. 1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) i. 29 They that kepe the chyrch ar parteners of theyr mynistracion. 1608 Bp. J. Hall Characters Vertues & Vices ii. 83 Hee..asks what fare is vsuall at home, what houres are kept. a1653 H. Binning Serm. (1845) 607 They know not how to be saved, unless their prayers do it, or their keeping the kirk. a1713 T. Ellwood Hist. Life (1714) 81 A Dyer of Oxford, who constantly kept Thame Market. 1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 125 What! you keep Court-Hours I see. 1746 J. Wesley Wks. (1872) XII. 76 I keep my church as well as any man. a1822 P. B. Shelley Ginevra in Posthumous Poems (1824) 232 And left her at her own request to keep An hour of quiet and rest. 1824 W. Scott Redgauntlet II. x. 223 I keep the kirk, and I abhor Popery—I have stood up for the House of Hanover. 1852 W. M. Thackeray Henry Esmond I. x. 229 So long as he kept his chapels, and did the college exercises required of him. 1894 Ld. Wolseley Life Marlborough I. 229 Early hours were generally kept. ** To guard (from external violence or injury), to preserve, maintain. 14. To guard, defend, protect, preserve, save. (Const. from, †of.) a. a person. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (transitive)] shieldc825 frithc893 werea900 i-schield971 berghOE biwerec1000 grithc1000 witec1000 keepc1175 burghena1225 ward?c1225 hilla1240 warrantc1275 witiec1275 forhilla1300 umshadea1300 defendc1325 fendc1330 to hold in or to warrantc1330 bielda1350 warisha1375 succoura1387 defencea1398 shrouda1400 umbeshadow14.. shelvec1425 targec1430 protect?1435 obumber?1440 thorn1483 warrantise1490 charea1500 safeguard1501 heild?a1513 shend1530 warrant1530 shadow1548 fence1577 safekeep1588 bucklera1593 counterguard1594 save1595 tara1612 target1611 screenc1613 pre-arm1615 custodite1657 shelter1667 to guard against1725 cushion1836 enshield1855 mind1924 buffer1958 the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep, maintain, or preserve holdc1000 i-haldOE keepc1175 withholdc1200 keepa1325 maintaina1375 preservea1393 c1175 Lamb. Hom. 71 Þu..kep us from his waning, Þat laþe gast, þet laþe þing. c1330 Spec. Gy Warw. 48 To kepen his soule from þe qued. 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. Prol. 125 Crist kepe þe, sire kyng. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 14075 I sal þe kepe forth fra þis dai. c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 272/2 Kepyn, custodio, servo, conservo. 1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) xiv. 48 His goode shelde kept hym. 1593 T. W. Tears of Fancie xxii, in Poems (1870) 189 My Mistres slept: And with a garland..Her daintie forehead from the sunne ykept. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) v. i. 63 God bu'y you, and keepe you, & heale your pate. View more context for this quotation 1669 J. Bunyan Holy Citie 18 It is called a City..to shew us how strong and securely it will keep its Inhabitants at that day. 1694 T. Ken Morning & Evening-Hymn in New-Year's Gift 113 Keep me, O keep me, King of Kings, Under thine own Almighty Wings. 1719 W. Hamilton Epist. to Ramsay iii. xiii May thou..Be keeped frae the wirricow, After thou's dead. 1887 A. C. Swinburne Locrine iv. i. 234 God keep my lord! b. a thing. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep, maintain, or preserve holdc1000 i-haldOE keepc1175 withholdc1200 keepa1325 maintaina1375 preservea1393 a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 3378 He let bi-aften de more del To kepen here ðing al wel. c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 161 Bernard of Bayoun, þat was kepand þe se. c1380 Antecrist in Todd Three Treat. Wyclif (1851) 129 To kepe þe chaumbur and halle of noyse and dyn. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 10035 Þer standis thre baylis widvte, þat wele kepis þat castel, For [Trin. Cambr. from] arw, schott and quarel. 1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. aii^v The yettis war clenely kepit with ane castell. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lii. 177 It were better for the to..helpe to kepe a towne or a castell. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccc^v The horsemen were left..to defende and kepe the passage. 1672 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 519 To help in keeping my corner against your enemies and mine. 1683 Plymouth Col. Rec. (1856) VI. 114 Keeping the dores and not opening them to the said John Irish when hee come. 1842 T. B. Macaulay Horatius xxix Now who will stand on either hand, And keep the bridge with me? 1892 St. Nicholas Mag. 14 541/2 They're not keeping our goal as they ought to. c. from some injurious operation or accident. ΚΠ 1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum (Bodl.) xvi. xciv. lf. 183/2 Salte..kepeþ and saueþ dede bodies fro rotinge. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvii. 177 Thai kepit [1489 Adv. kepyt] that fra distroying. 1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 44 Keepe your sweete faces from scorching. a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iii. ii. 57 To keepe him from stumbling. View more context for this quotation 1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iii. §65. 304 They were wont..to annoint their rolles..with a liquour..which kept them from rotting. †d. reflexive. To defend oneself; to be on one's guard. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > protect or defend [verb (reflexive)] were993 keepc1175 skere1390 wait onc1390 shroud14.. mantlec1475 fend1865 c1175 Lamb. Hom. 59 To blecen..his nome and kepen us from hearm and scome. c1460 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Laud) l. 10071 Was no man..Might kepe hym from that fend felle. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. xvii Sir Tristram drewe oute his swerd, and said, sire Kehydius, kepe the. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. ix. 4 One must kepe him~self from another. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 7860 We are folke full fele..Assemblit in this Cite oure seluyn to kepe. 1634 W. Tirwhyt tr. J. L. G. de Balzac Lett. 15 I keepe my selfe as carefully as though I were composed of christall. †15. To be on one's guard against some action or occurrence; to take care, beware (that…). a. reflexive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > vigilance > be vigilant [verb (reflexive)] > guard (oneself) against wareOE witec1000 lookc1175 keepa1400 watch1489 precaution1700 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 8389 I haue me kept þat neuer oþer wiþ me siþen slept. c1400 (?c1390) Sir Gawain & Green Knight (1940) l. 372 ‘Kepe þe, cosyn,’ quoþ þe kyng, ‘þat þou on kyrf sette’. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 179/1 Kepe y^e wel that thou telle thys vysyon to no man. †b. intransitive or with object clause. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > vigilance > be vigilant or on one's guard [verb (intransitive)] watcha1225 warea1325 bewarea1400 keepc1400 waitc1400 lay good waitc1440 to lie in great waitc1440 to look out?1553 to look about1599 awake1602 advigilate1623 to keep an eye open1651 perdue1656 to look sharp1680 waken1682 tout1699 to keep a sharp look-out1827 to keep one's weather-eye open1829 to keep (also have) an eye out1833 to keep one's eyes peeled1844 to watch out1845 to skin one's eyes1851 to have (also keep) one's eye on the ball1937 to watch one's back1949 c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxiii. 108 Before þe dure standez certayne lordes..for to kepe þat nane entre in at þe dure. c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 130 Wel koude she carye a morsel and wel keepe That no drope fille vp on hir brist. c1480 (a1400) St. Andrew 216 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 69 Þe Iuge..dange hym in a dongeone depe þat he na schapit, bad to kepe [= bade to take care that he escaped not]. c1500 Melusine (1895) 112 Kepe wel ye borow nothing but that ye may yeld it ayen. 1526 W. Tyndale Pathway Holy Script. in Wks. (Parker Soc.) I. 23 We tame the flesh therewith..and keep that the lusts choke not the word of God. 16. To take care of, look to the well-being of; to look after, watch over, tend, have charge of. a. a person. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] hold971 yemeOE biwitc1000 keepa1325 wait1362 tentc1400 attendc1420 to take guard1426 tend?1521 to have the care of1579 to have, take, give (the) charge of1611 mind1640 to have, take in charge1665 tutor1682 attend1796 shepherda1822 mother1851 the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > specifically a person keepa1325 a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2625 Ghe kepte it wel in fostre wune, Ghe knew it for hire owen sune. a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 66 Wiȝtliche wiþ þe child he went to his house, and bi-tok it to his wif tiȝtly to kepe. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 16761 Als for his moder Iohn hir keped, And in his ward hir toke. 1420 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 54 I will þat þ^e Nonne þat kepid me in my seknes haue ij nobles. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 50/2 Mans law serueth y^e gardain to kepe the infant. The law of nature wyll the mother kepe her childe. 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V ii. i. 30 Callest thou me hoste..I sweare, I scorne the title, Nor shall my Nell keepe [1623 Keep] lodging. b. cattle or the like. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > [verb (transitive)] > take care of getec1175 keepa1325 a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 2772 Moyses was numen..For te loken hirdnesse fare; Riche men ðo kepten swilc ware. a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 8 Þis cowherd comes..to kepen is bestes Fast by-side þe borwȝ. c1400 Three Kings Cologne 29 Þe schepherdes of þat contrey..be wonte to kepe her flok of schepe in þe nyȝt. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Luke xv. f. cij A citesyn..sent hym to the felde, to kepe [1611 feed] his swyne. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Sam. xvi. 11 There is yet one..and beholde, he kepeth [so 1611 and R.V.] the shepe. a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) i. i. 35 Shall I keepe your hogs, and eat huskes with them? View more context for this quotation 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 93 Flockes of them feeding in the fields, and usually kept by children. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 139 This Neptune gave him, when he gave to keep His scaly Flocks. View more context for this quotation 1801 J. Strutt Glig-gamena Angel-ðeod ii. ii. 65 David, who kept his father's sheep. c. a thing. ΚΠ a1325 Maudelein 1 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 163 Martha keped swiþe wel Hir londes. 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xii. 115 Archa dei in þe olde lawe leuites it kepten. c1386 G. Chaucer Doctor's Tale 85 A theef of venysoun, that hath forlaft..his olde craft, Kan kepe a fforest best of any man. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5292 Þe lordshipe of al þis lond To reule & kepe is in myn hond. a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 237 Ȝour hienes can nocht gett an meter To keip ȝour wardrope. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Exod. xxii. 7 Yf a man delyuer his neghboure money or vessels to kepe, and it be stollen from him out of his house [etc.]. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. xi. 13 b The Caddy, which keepeth the town upon tribute under the king of Alger. 1712 A. Pope Rape of Locke ii, in Misc. Poems 374 Their Heroe's Wits are kept in pondrous Vases. 1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam xxiii. 39 The Shadow cloak'd from head to foot Who keeps the keys of all the creeds. d. to keep wicket: see wicket n. 3a. Also absol.: to act as wicket-keeper. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > fielding > field [verb (intransitive)] > keep wicket to keep wicket1773 keep1862 wicket-keep1891 1862 Baily's Monthly Mag. Aug. 85 The Surrey people..selecting..a John Walker to keep. 1920 P. F. Warner Cricket Reminisc. 161 Lockyer ‘kept’ for the Players on and off between 1854 and 1866. 1931 Notes & Queries 14 Feb. 121/2 Alfred [Lyttelton], of course, ‘kept’ for England. 1959 Times 29 June 11/4 One of Somerset's clerical wearers of the gloves..who, after ‘keeping’ to W. G...recorded that not a single ball had passed the bat. 17. To maintain or preserve in proper order. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (transitive)] > preserve in proper condition feeda1000 sustaina1325 keepa1382 entertain1477 uphold1511 upkeep1926 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. xliii. 4 Kepende the furneys in the werkis of brennyng. c1386 G. Chaucer Merchant's Tale 138 Wel may the sike man biwaille and wepe Ther as ther nys no wyf the hous to kepe. 1463 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 28 Yeerly to the Sexteyn..viijs. to kepe the clokke. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost viii. 320 This Paradise I give thee, count it thine To Till and keep . View more context for this quotation 1699 M. Lister Journey to Paris (new ed.) 188 This is the only House in Paris I saw kept..with the most exact cleanliness and neatness, Gardens and all. 1827 H. Steuart Planter's Guide (1828) 352 This space is kept with the scythe. 1862 Temple Bar 4 259 His rooms were as neatly kept as those of a woman. 18. To maintain continuously in proper form and order (a record, diary, journal, accounts of money received and paid, etc.). to keep books, to make the requisite entries in a merchant's books so that these shall always represent the state of his commercial relations: see bookkeeping n. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > management of money > keeping accounts > keep accounts [verb (transitive)] keep1552 chalk1597 society > communication > record > written record > arrangement and storage of written records > arrange and store written records [verb (transitive)] keep1552 file1581 administrate1969 1552 Ordre Hospital S. Bartholomewes sig. B.v^v Treasurer Ye shal also kepe one seueral accompte betwene the Renter & you. 1552 Ordre Hospital S. Bartholomewes sig. Cj Almoner Keping one entier and perfecte Inuentarie..in a boke. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. clxxv Notaryes and scribes..whyche shoulde penne, and kepe althynges diligentelye. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. vii. 226 The first Registers of Entries are not so exactly kept as at this day. a1640 P. Massinger Guardian i. i. 36 in 3 New Playes (1655) A hopeful youth, to keep A Merchants book. 1751 C. Labelye Descr. Westm. Bridge 66 The keeping proper Accounts of these was..allotted to Richard Graham. 1803 Pic Nic No. 14. 6 He had kept a journal of all his transactions. 1869 W. Longman Hist. Edward III I. xiv. 262 No record was kept of the losses of the English. 1891 Speaker 2 May 531/1 The useful habit of keeping commonplace books. 19. a. To provide for the sustenance of; to provide with food and clothing and other requisites of life; to maintain, support. Also reflexive. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] > provide means of support for findc1225 sustainc1300 found1377 keep1377 maintainc1405 sustent?a1425 support1493 uphold1546 subsist1547 escota1616 fend1637 aliment1660 run1871 grub-stake1879 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. Prol. 76 Thus þey geuen here golde glotones to kepe [A. Prol. 73 Glotonye to helpen]. 1568 in J. Small Poems W. Dunbar (1893) II. 306 Spend pairt of the gude thow wan, And keip the ay with honestie. 1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 963 Than Schir Rauf gat rewaird to keip his Knichtheid. 1616 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Scornful Ladie iii. sig. F3 What shall become of my poore familie? They..must keep themselues. 1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling (1672) ii. 16 A husbandman is a man..that makes the ground that bred him keep him. 1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 i. 207 The land would barely keep the cows. 1889 E. Lynn Linton Thro' Long Night I. i. viii. 131 Should he ever be able to keep a wife? 1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. He cannot keep himself yet, but is dependent on his parents. b. Const. in (the particular item provided). ΚΠ 1888 ‘S. Tytler’ Blackhall Ghosts II. xix. 117 Jem has to keep us in everything, in clothes as well as the rest. 1890 Mrs. H. Wood House of Halliwell I. xii. 323 He kept the younger ladies in gloves. 20. a. To maintain, employ, entertain in one's service, or for one's use or enjoyment: in reference to animals or things, there is a mingling of the sense of possession. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > have or possess [verb (transitive)] > possess and use or enjoy > keep for use and enjoyment keep1548 sport1791 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. cxxxiii^v The Frenche kyng..caused.iij.C.men of armes to be kept secretly in their capitaynes houses. a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iv. iii. 201 Because thou dost not keepe a dogge. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) i. i. 255 I keepe but three Men, and a Boy yet, till my Mother be dead. View more context for this quotation 1637 Decree Starre-Chamber conc. Printing §28 sig. H^v No Master-Founder..shall keepe aboue two Apprentices. 1789 J. Brand Hist. & Antiq. Newcastle II. 237 November 24th 1697, there is an order of this society forbidding the apprentices..to keep horses, dogs for hunting, or fighting cocks. 1833 H. Martineau Briery Creek iii. 63 This morning, you thought of no such thing as keeping pigs. 1853 T. T. Lynch Lect. Self-improvem. v. 104 A man..who ‘keeps a gig’, but cannot ‘afford to keep a conscience’. 1860 Temple Bar 1 42 Rich men kept a newsmonger, as they kept a valet. 1893 National Observer 6 May 619/2 He need not himself keep chickens. b. to keep a woman as mistress: to keep a newspaper as a hired organ: cf. kept adj. 1. ΘΚΠ society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > unchaste [verb (transitive)] > keep (a mistress) to keep a woman1560 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xlix Others kept harlots, & lyued dishonestly. 1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. i. 93 They say hee keepes a Troyan drab. View more context for this quotation 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 36 Giving a box on the ear to a Lord that kept her for a time. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 276. ⁋3 I am kept by an old Batchelor. 1728 E. Young Love of Fame: Universal Passion (ed. 2) iii. 196 Philander..In secret loves his wife, but keeps her maid. 1895 M. M. Dowie Gallia 114 It was habitual for women to disapprove of a man who kept a mistress. 21. To have habitually in stock or on sale. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > selling > sell [verb (transitive)] > have for sale or sell habitually sellc1000 keep1706 carry1866 stock1884 1706 Wooden World Diss. (1708) 57 The worser Liquor he keeps, the more he brews his own Profit. 1851 N. Hawthorne House of Seven Gables iii. 61 [She] gave her hot customer to understand that she did not keep the article. †22. reflexive. To conduct or comport oneself, behave. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > behave or conduct oneself [verb (reflexive)] wieldOE leadc1175 bear?c1225 steera1250 to take onc1275 contain1297 to shift one's handa1300 demeanc1320 guyc1325 govern1340 keep1362 havec1390 rulec1390 guide14.. conceivea1425 maintain?a1425 maynea1425 behavec1440 disporta1450 orderc1487 use1497 handle?1529 convey1530 gesture1542 treat1568 carry1584 deport1598 bestow1606 comport1616 mienc1680 conduct1706 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. i. 92 Kynges and knihtes scholde kepen hem bi Reson. c1386 G. Chaucer Doctor's Tale 106 This mayde..So kept hir self, hir neded no maistresse. c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. 272 I tauȝte him how he schulde kepe him-silf, and how he schulde diete him-silf. 23. To preserve in being or operation; to maintain, retain, or continue to hold (a quality, state, or condition) or to practise or exercise (a habit or action). Cf. to keep up at Phrasal verbs 1 in to keep up 4 at Phrasal verbs 1, 29eHence in many phrases, as to keep silence; to keep affinity, companionship n., to keep company, to keep consort, to keep converse, correspondence n.; to keep even compass, measure n., to keep pace, to keep step, to keep time, tune n., wing n. (with); to keep guard, to keep a lookout, to keep sentinel, to hold, keep ward, to keep watch: for which when the sense is specialized, see the nouns. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] > continue a use or practice keepc1315 entertain?c1452 retain1481 to summer and winter1602 sustain1602 the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > retain a quality or characteristic keepc1315 reservec1425 retain?a1475 the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE sustainc1300 keepc1315 maintainc1390 conservea1425 continuec1460 entertain1490 persevere1502 uphold?1523 containa1538 petrifya1631 conservate1647 to keep on1669 to keep up1670 preserve1677 support1696 fix1712 ossify1800 fossilize1848 c1315 Shoreham 11 The prestes so thries duppeth..gode ȝeme kepeth The ned. c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 21 So þat þei kepen pacience and charite. c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 42 Crist kepid ai þat state. c1475 Lytylle Childrenes Lytil Bk. (Egerton 1995) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 20 Honowre and curtesy loke þou kepe. c1480 (a1400) St. Machor 343 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 10 He kepyt ay his innocens. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) xii. l. 316 That king till him kepit kyndnes and luff. a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 194 Than mon I keip ane grauetie. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 596/2 I kepe abstynence, I forbeare meate and drinke. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. cclxj^v Charitie is not kept emongest you. 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum To kepe bawdrye or whoredome. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 32 Now almost no countrie kepeth either weight or measure one with the other to the great hurt of the Realme. 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 v. iv. 64 Two stars keepe not their motion in one sphere. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. i. 3 Let it keepe one shape. View more context for this quotation a1637 B. Jonson Magnetick Lady ii. vi. 143 in Wks. (1640) III You: that will keepe consort with such Fidlers. 1651 R. Wittie tr. J. Primrose Pop. Errours iii. ii. 138 The Ancients..did keep a fequent use of baths and frictions. 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 331 To make them [Lamb-skins] keep their Curl. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 372 To keep no farther correspondence with Duke Hamilton. 1751 T. Gray Elegy xix. 9 Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. 1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. xviii. 41 Did Laon and his friend..a lofty converse keep. 1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 4 Who now keep That calm sleep. 1890 F. M. Crawford Cigarette-maker's Rom. I. iii. 99 The Count himself kept his composure admirably. 24. a. With complement: To preserve, maintain, retain, or cause to continue, in some specified condition, state, place, position, action, or course.The complement may be an adjective, noun, participle, adverb, or prepositional phrase, e.g. to keep alive, clean, close, dark, dry, fast, holy, open, secret, still, sweet, warm; to keep a prisoner, a secret; to keep going, shut; to keep at arm's length, at bay, at it, at work, in countenance, in readiness, in repair, in suspense, in touch, out of mischief, to time, etc. For these in specialized senses, and for phrases, such as to keep the ball rolling, the pot boiling, one's hair on, one's eye upon, one's eyes about one, one's head above water, etc., see the adjectives or nouns. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep, maintain, or preserve > in a specified state, place, or relation hold971 keepc1340 c1340 R. Rolle Prose Treat. 8 Scho [the bee] kepes clene and bryghte hire winges. 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. v. 623 Þe dore closed Kayed and cliketted to kepe þe with-outen. 1414 T. Brampton Paraphr. Seven Penit. Psalms (1842) xix. 8 My synne[s], that I in schryfte schulde schewe, I kepe hem clos for schame or fere. c1500 Young Children's Bk. (Ashm. 61) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 21 Hande, fote, & fynger, kepe þou styll. c1500 Young Children's Bk. (Ashm. 61) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 19 Yt kepys hym out offe synne & blame. a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 165 Scho bad eik Iuno..That scho the hevin suld keip amene and dry. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xxii. 112 To keepe the Arabians..in greater sobriety. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xv. 130 They..kept the portes and passages so shutte, that they kept away the corne. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iii. ii. 28 That power that made you king, Hath power to keepe you king. View more context for this quotation 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 151 It is necessary that their kennell be kept sweete and dry. 1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 102 To keep it continually in the shade. 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 125 I kept the Coolies to their Watch. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 263. ⁋4 It is [thus]..that Hatreds are kept alive. 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 264. ⁋2 While he could keep his Poverty a Secret. 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth V. 126 He is..still kept fast by a string. 1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 iii. 225 The ploughmen could scarcely keep their ploughs in the ground. 1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 66 Keep the door shut, and the devil passes by. 1854 C. Dickens Hard Times i. xiv. 110 In the daytime old Bounderby has been keeping me at it rather. 1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxxi I'll keep him to his promise. 1890 T. F. Tout in F. Y. Powell et al. Hist. Eng. III. 1689. 48 He kept the merchants and tradesmen Whigs by his sound commercial..measures. 1891 Temple Bar Feb. 281 There was the steam-kettle to keep on the boil. 1892 National Observer 17 Dec. 100/1 It promises help..to keep him in funds when he is out on strike. b. reflexive. To preserve or maintain oneself, or continue, in such condition, etc. (Hence the intransitive use in 39.) ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain oneself [verb (reflexive)] keep1362 maintain1481 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. i. 169 Curatours þat schulden kepe hem clene of heore bodies. a1380 Virg. Antioch 137 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1878) 27 I may me kepe chast eueridel. c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 2835 This traitour kept him close that night. 1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxiv. 512 Baron, kepe you by reynawde. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) xxi. 64 Yf ye can kepe your selfe without spekynge to hym, ye maye than well skape. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 10513 Kepis you in couer, cleane out of sight! 1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Matrimonie f. xiii^v Wilt thou..forsaking all other kepe thee only to her, so long as you both shall liue? 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie* i. iv. 3 b Theyr watches keepe themselves in an ambush neare unto a wood. 1788 W. Blane Acct. Hunting Excurs. 15 The Prince, by laying hold of the Howdah, kept himself in his seat. 1879 R. Browning Martin Relph 32 The many and loyal should keep themselves unmixed with the few perverse. ******* To detain or hold in custody, restraint, concealment, etc.; to prevent from escaping or being taken from one. 25. To hold as a captive or prisoner; to hold in custody or in restraint of personal liberty; to prevent from escaping. ΘΚΠ society > authority > punishment > imprisonment > imprison [verb (transitive)] beclosec1000 setc1100 steekc1175 prison?c1225 adightc1275 imprison1297 laya1325 keepc1330 presentc1380 locka1400 throwc1422 commise1480 clapc1530 shop1548 to lay up1565 incarcerate1575 embar1590 immure1598 hole1608 trunk1608 to keep (a person) darka1616 carceir1630 enjaila1631 pocket1631 bridewell1733 bastille1745 cage1805 quod1819 bag1824 carcerate1839 to send down1840 jug1841 slough1848 to send up1852 to put away1859 warehouse1881 roundhouse1889 smug1896 to bang up1950 c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 219 Þat kept him in prisoun, Edward did him calle. c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Deeds xvi. 23 Thei senten hem into prisoun, comaundinge to the kepere, that he diligentli schulde kepe hem. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xviii. 512 He..bad haf him avay in hy, And luk he kepit [1489 Adv. kepyt] war stratly. 1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts xxviii. 16 Paul was suffered to dwell alone with wone soudier that kept hym. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 12084 Þat commly be keppet, ne in cloese haldyn. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. vii. 6 They kept me as prisoner. 1892 Law Times 93 414/2 He did not think that the defendant ought to be kept in prison any longer. 26. To retain in a place or position by moral constraint; to restrain from going away; to cause or induce to remain; to detain. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > from going on or away stayc1440 retainc1515 to keep ungone1572 keepa1627 bail1879 a1627 T. Middleton & W. Rowley Changeling (1653) v. sig. I2^v Keep life in him for further tortures. 1782 W. Cowper Progress of Error in Poems 416 A dunce that has been kept at home. 1801 Pitt in G. Rose Diaries (1860) I. 291 I have been kept till this instant. 1873 C. M. Yonge Cameos cxiv, in Monthly Packet Mar. 232 Colet would fain have kept Erasmus to lecture at Oxford. 1885 ‘E. F. Byrrne’ Entangled II. xviii. 29 Don't let me keep you. 1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. ii. 31 There was nothing to keep me in England. 27. a. To hold back, prevent, withhold; to restrain, control. Const. from (off, out of). ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > specifically from doing something conclude1382 restrain1384 refraina1398 keepa1400 to coart of1430 revokec1450 stop1488 contain1523 retract1548 stay1560 retire1567 straiten1622 confine1651 obligec1661 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 2893 Ihesu criste ȝou kepe fra syn. c1450 Urbanitatis (Calig. A.ii) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 15 In chambur among ladyes bryȝth, Kepe thy tonge and spende thy syȝth. 1539 Bible (Great) Psalms xxxiv. 13 Kepe thy tonge from euell. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccclv Yea they..haue not kept their handes also from yonge babes & children. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) i. i. 160 The Earle of Salisbury..hardly keepes his men from mutinie. View more context for this quotation 1642 J. Milton Apol. Smectymnuus 43 How hard it is when a man meets with a Foole to keepe his tongue from folly! 1650 A. Weldon Court & Char. King James 139 The Bishops might have done better to have kept their voyces. 1726 Bp. J. Butler 15 Serm. vii. 131 Those partial Regards to his Duty..might keep him from perfect Despair. 1858 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 19 i. 184 A cold, dry spring may keep the seed from germinating. b. reflexive. To restrain oneself, refrain, hold back; to abstain. (Hence intransitive, sense to keep from —— at Phrasal verbs 2.) ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > exercise moderation or restraint [verb (reflexive)] hold971 withholdc1200 containc1290 keep1340 restraina1387 refrainc1450 retaina1500 attemper1548 retract1548 temper1560 reserve1586 check1833 1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 954 Gude it es þat a man him kepe Fra worldisshe luf and vany worshepe. c1450 Urbanitatis (Calig. A.ii) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 13 Fro spettyng & snetyng kepe þe also. 1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) xlii. 65 This is a good Ensample to a warraunt and kepe hym self of fals beholdynge. c1500 Melusine (1895) xxxvi. 295 Hys brother coude not kepe hym, but he asked after Melusyne. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lix. 205 He..coude not a kept hym selfe fro lawghynge. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. iv. 10 'Tis a foule thing, when a Cur cannot keepe himselfe in all companies. View more context for this quotation 1892 Black & White 26 Nov. 610/1 I shall not be able to keep myself from strangling her. 28. To withold from present use, to reserve; to lay up, store up. reflexive. To reserve oneself. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > supply > storage > store [verb (transitive)] > reserve reservea1382 keepa1400 sparea1400 savea1450 to put by1568 to put aside1569 to set byc1595 sepose1609 seposit1657 to lay aside1711 to set away1747 to lay by1786 to lay (also put) past1847 to put away1861 the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from action [verb (reflexive)] > avoid exertion save1785 keep1868 a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 970 Of alkyn frute þat ys þine kepe me þe teynde for þat ys myne. c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) v. 52 The Gerneres..to kepe the greynes for the perile of the dere ȝeres. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Esdras ix. 21 I..haue kepte me a wynebery of the grapes. 1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse Ep. Ded. sig. ☞5^v Philip..exhorted his friends to keepe their stomackes for the seconde course. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 258 The water of Jordan..the longer it is kept, it is the more fresher. 1822 P. B. Shelley Hellas 43 The Anarchs..keep A throne for thee. 1868 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest II. x. 428 The..Chronicler..seems rather to keep himself for great occasions. 1875 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) III. xii. 77 I have purposely kept that question for this stage of my history. 29. a. Actively to hold in possession; to retain in one's power or control; to continue to have, hold, or possess. Also absol. (The opposite of to lose: now a leading sense.) ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] holda855 haveeOE witec1000 at-holdc1175 withholdc1200 keepc1400 reserve?a1439 retain1449 detain1541 to stick to ——1560 contain1600 to make good1606 preserve1617 inhold1726 to hang on to1873 c1400 Mandeville Voiage & Travaile (1839) xxiii. 252 Thei con wel wynnen lond of Straungeres, but thei con not kepen it. c1460 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (1885) vi. 121 It is power to mowe haue and kepe to hym self. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) x. l. 1241 Off Ryches he kepyt no propyr thing, Gaiff as he wan. 1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Suffolk viii To get and kepe not is but losse of payne. 1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. iii. 212 Ile keepe them all; By God he shall not haue a Scot of them. View more context for this quotation 1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. iii. §8 With what care they are got, with what fear they are kept, and with what certainty they must be lost. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 93 The great art of keeping him long was, the being easy, and the making every thing easy to him. 1803 Pic Nic No. 8. 3 These poets now keep but a feeble hold of the stage. 1861 Temple Bar 3 336 The variety keeps the children's attention. 1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. May 632 His slim forefinger between its leaves to keep the place. 1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. The difficulty now is not to make money, but keep it; you make it and lose it. †b. to keep one's own = to hold one's own (hold v. 31a). to keep your luff, to keep your offing, to keep your wind: see the nouns. ΚΠ 1627 J. Smith Sea Gram. ix. 39 If you would..keepe your owne, that is, not..fall to lee-ward. c. figurative in phrases, as to keep one's temper (i.e. not to lose it): see the nouns. †d. elliptical. To retain in the memory, remember. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > memory > retention in the mind > retain in the memory [verb (transitive)] i-mune971 to have (also bear, keep, hold, etc.) in minda1200 withholdc1200 membera1382 treasure1382 demeanc1460 mindc1460 retain1474 keep1574 to take (a thing) with one1577 carry1583 weara1586 1574 J. Baret Aluearie K 23 We keepe those thinges most surely that wee learne in youth. 1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. ix. 141 Thus they shall keepe their Authours, which they haue learned. e. Colloquial phrase you (etc.) can keep (something): it arouses no desire, envy, or interest in me; I am not interested in (it), I do not like (it). ΚΠ 1956 J. Popplewell Dead on Nine in Plays of Year XIII. 335 Robert. My hobby's writing plays. Tom. You can keep it. 1962 M. Drabble Summer Bird-cage i. 8 The reviews..talk about his delicate perception and keen wit, but for me they can keep them. 1967 R. Wilkinson Pressure Men viii. 72 I felt better here. They could keep London. 1971 Guardian 11 Dec. 5/1 They're a miserable lot of sods. If that is an example of the spirit of the people of Windsor, they can keep it. 1973 Guardian 12 Apr. 13/3 It makes me a bit sick actually and they can keep their mag as far as I am concerned. 30. To withhold (from): implying exertion or effort to prevent a thing from going or getting to another. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep what is due to or desired by another ofholdOE withholdc1200 abstaina1387 keep?1463 to hold up?1499 refrain?1504 outhold1512 detainc1535 to keep back1535 subtracta1538 substract1542 to hold out1907 ?1463 R. Cutler in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 260 It is a comon prouerbe, ‘A man xuld kepe fro þe blynde and ȝeuyt to is kyn’. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 282 Mine aduersary, who kepeth wrongfully from me mine heritage. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. xvi. 131 Where they would not receive his salvation, the same for ever shalbe kept from them. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 746 Great are thy Vertues, doubtless, best of Fruits, Though kept from Man. View more context for this quotation 31. To hide, conceal; not to divulge. Chiefly in phrases, as to keep counsel n., to keep a secret adj. and n.: see the nouns. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] heeleOE dernc893 mitheeOE wryOE buryc1175 hidec1200 dilla1300 laina1375 keepa1382 wrapa1382 cover1382 conceala1393 curea1400 shroud1412 veilc1460 smorec1480 cele1484 suppress1533 wrap1560 smoulder1571 squat1577 muffle1582 estrange1611 screen1621 lock1646 umbrage1675 reserve1719 restrict1802 hugger-mugger1803 mask1841 ward1881 thimblerig1899 marzipan1974 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xlviii. 6 Thingus..kept ben that thou knowist not. c1400 Rom. Rose 2858 A felowe that can welle concele, And kepe thi counselle, and welle hele. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccxxi^v To the promotours they promise a reward and to kepe their counsel. 1781 D. Williams tr. Voltaire Dramatic Wks. II. 233 Take the money and keep the secret. 1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest II. iii. 63 You must keep our secret, Oswald. 1859 W. M. Thackeray Virginians xxi There is no keeping any thing from you. 1888 G. Gissing Life's Morning II. xiv. 227 For a week he kept his counsel, and behaved as if nothing unusual had happened. 32. To continue to follow (a way, path, course, etc.), so as not to lose it or get out of it. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > a straight course > cause to go in a straight course [verb (transitive)] > not deviate from keepc1425 c1425 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 256 Thowgh ye wepe yet shal ye before me Ay kepe your course. 1553 S. Cabot in R. Hakluyt Princ. Navigations (1589) i. 259 All courses in Nauigation to be set and kept, by the aduice of the Captaine. a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 339 Vnlesse thou let his siluer Water, keepe A peacefull progresse to the Ocean. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. ii. 1 Nay keepe your way..you were wont to be a follower, but now you are a Leader. View more context for this quotation 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. vi. 258 The Friers and Souldiers removed; keeping their course towards Jericho. 1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 234 We kept no Path. 1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh II. 98 Taking care to keep the middle of the road. 1892 Field 21 May 777/1 How the driver kept the track is a marvel. 33. a. To stay or remain in, on, or at (a place); not to leave; esp. in to keep one's bed, to keep one's room (as in sickness); to keep the house. Cf. to keep to at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > render immobile [verb (transitive)] > remain in (a place) holda1387 keep1413 to stick to ——1539 1413 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. xxii. 25 Thou kepyst now thy bed. Thyne ydlenes and slouthe hath this y bred. c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 1526 His doghtre Clarionas She kept the chambre, as Reason was. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. xlix. 69 These engyns dyd cast night and day great stones..so that they within were fayne to kepe vautes and sellars. 1534 Bible (Tyndale rev. Joye) Acts ix. 33 A certayne man whych had kepte hys bed viii. yere. 1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 4 Sundrie persons..kepe their houses, not mindinge to paie..their debts. ?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 40 The weather being hot, her highnes kept the Castl for coolness. 1647 J. Trapp Comm. Epist. & Rev. (2 Titus) 343 The Aegyptian women ware no shoes, that they might the better keep home. 1667 Sir E. Lyttelton in E. M. Thompson Corr. Family of Hatton (1878) I. 51 I have kept my chamber ever since last Tuesday. 1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice III. iv. 68 My poor mother is really ill, and keeps her room. View more context for this quotation 1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth iv, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. II. 110 To speak plainly, she keeps her bed. 1864 Ld. Tennyson Enoch Arden in Enoch Arden, etc. 2 In this the children play'd at keeping house. 1885 E. Lawless Millionaire's Cousin iv. 76 Am I bound to keep my own side of the partition? b. To stay or retain one's place in or on, against opposition; as to keep the deck, to keep the saddle, to keep the field, to keep the stage, to keep one's seat, to keep one's ground. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > against opposition holda1132 keep1600 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V iv. vi. 2 Yet all is not done, yet keepe the French the field. 1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iii. 99 The tempest continuing (our Boate not being able to keepe the Seas) we were constrained to seeke into a Creeke. 1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson iii. i. 298 Only sixteen men, and eleven boys were capable of keeping the deck. 1823 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 14 555 Not a single tragedy of Beaumont and Fletcher's has been able to keep the stage. 1835 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece I. iv. 113 It [the story] kept its ground in spite of the interest..in distorting or suppressing it. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 579 The wonder is..that they were able to keep their seats. 1890 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 148 435/2 A first-class boat, capable of keeping the sea all the year round. ******** To carry on, conduct, hold. 34. To carry on, conduct, as presiding officer or a chief actor (an assembly, court, fair, market, etc.); = hold v. 8a. ΘΚΠ society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > preside over govern1340 keep?a1475 oversit1587 overcall1654 preside1665 conduct1839 matronize1877 ?a1475 (?a1425) tr. R. Higden Polychron. (Harl. 2261) (1874) V. 119 [Silvester] whiche kepede the firste grete cownsayle of Nicene. 1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) ix. 202 He wolde kepe parlyamente wyth them. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Macc. iv. 43 Of these matters therfore there was kepte a courte agaynst Menelaus. 1546 in J. T. Smith & L. T. Smith Eng. Gilds (1870) 222 In the same Towne there ys a merkett, wekely kepte. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iii. xvii. 102 b There..they kept a generall chapter or assembly. 1634 W. Wood New Englands Prospect i. x. 38 This Towne [sc. Boston]..being the Center of the Plantations where the monthly Courts are kept. 1752 H. Fielding Amelia IV. xi. iii. 147 His Wife soon afterwards began to keep an Assembly, or in the fashionable Phrase, to be at home once a Week. 1871 C. M. Yonge Cameos cvi, in Monthly Packet Aug. 110 Henry was keeping court at Lincoln, where he meant to spend Easter. 35. To carry on and manage, to conduct as one's own (an establishment or business, a school, shop, etc.). to keep house: see house n.¹ and int. Phrases 4b. ΘΚΠ society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)] > manage or administer steerc888 leadc1175 guyc1330 guidec1374 governa1382 ministera1382 treat1387 administer1395 dispose1398 skift?a1400 warda1400 solicit1429 to deal with1469 handlea1470 execute1483 convoy?a1513 conveyc1515 mayne1520 to bear (a person or thing) in (also an, a, on) handa1522 keepa1535 administrate1538 solicitate1547 to dispose of1573 manure1583 carry1600 manage1609 negotiate1619 conduct1632 to carry on1638 mesnage1654 nurse1745 work1841 operate1850 run1857 stage-manage1906 ramrod1920 a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 40/1 Y^e noble prince..kept his houshold at Ludlow in wales. a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. ii. 71 Like a Pedant that keepes a Schoole i' th Church. View more context for this quotation 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 29 He kept an Inn common to all passengers. 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 194 Barbers..seldom keep Shop, but go about the City with a checquered Apron over their Shulders. 1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 155. ⁋2 I keep a Coffee-house. 1847 Knickerbocker 30 511 A girl whose education does not qualify her for ‘keeping school’. 1849 E. Chamberlain Indiana Gazetteer (ed. 3) 196 There are in the County..school houses in which schools are kept, a portion of the year, in most of the school districts. 1867 ‘T. Lackland’ Homespun ii. 264 Mr. John Porringer..‘kept’ this school, and was in the way of keeping it so long as he lived and liked. 1877 W. O. Russell Crimes & Misdemeanours ii. xxviii. 427 The keeping a bawdy-house is a common nuisance. 1890 Harper's Mag. Oct. 747/2 They came here and kept lodgings. 36. To carry on, maintain; to continue to make, cause, or do (an action, war, disturbance, or the like). Cf. to keep up at Phrasal verbs 1. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE to hold fortha1325 sustainc1325 containc1330 continuea1340 maintainc1385 carrya1393 keepc1425 to keep upa1535 to stick by ——1551 to hold on1568 to hold out1595 to carry on1609 subsist1633 to keep at ——1825 c1425 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 1825 In man shall thow fynde that werre kept dayly. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccviij^v Warre was to be kepte vpon, hys frontiers. 1568 T. Howell Newe Sonets (1879) 147 Dyd flee from fredom to the courte, Where Venus only keepes the coyle. 1602 J. Marston Antonios Reuenge iii. iv. sig. F3^v What an idle prate thou keep'st? good nurse goe sleepe. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 62 Who is that at the doore y^t keeps all this noise? View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) ii. iii. 69 What a catterwalling doe you keepe heere? View more context for this quotation 1665 J. Glanvill Sciri Tuum: Authors Defense 41 in Scepsis Scientifica 'Tis strange that the Ancients should keep such ado about an easie Probleme. a1784 S. Johnson in H. L. Piozzi Anecd. Johnson (1786) 34 The nonsense you now keep such a stir about. 1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna vi. vii. 131 Ships from Propontis keep A killing rain of fire. III. Intransitive uses. Arising from ellipsis of reflexive pronoun. 37. To reside, dwell, live, lodge. (Frequently in literary use from c1580 to 1650; now only colloquial, esp. at Cambridge University and in U.S.) ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > [verb (intransitive)] wonc725 erdec893 siteOE liveeOE to make one's woningc960 through-wonOE bigc1175 walkc1225 inwonea1300 lenda1300 lenga1300 lingera1300 erthec1300 stallc1315 lasta1325 lodge1362 habit?a1366 breeda1375 inhabitc1374 indwella1382 to have one's mansionc1385 to take (up) one's inn (or inns)a1400 keepc1400 repairc1400 to have (also hold, keep, make) one's residencec1405 to hold (also keep, make, take, etc.) one's mansiona1425 winc1425 to make (one's) residence1433 resort1453 abidec1475 use1488 remaina1500 demur1523 to keep one's house1523 occupy1523 reside1523 enerdc1540 kennel1552 bower1596 to have (also hold, keep, make) residence1597 subsist1618 mansiona1638 tenant1650 fastena1657 hospitate1681 wont1692 stay1754 to hang out1811 home1832 habitate1866 1402–3 in J. T. Fowler Extracts Acct. Rolls Abbey of Durham (1898) I. 217 Camera ubi pueri custodiunt.] c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxv. 117 Þis emperour.. hase many men kepand at his courte.1401 Pol. Poems (Rolls) II. 65 Sich as ben gaderid in coventis..the whiche for worldly combraunce kepen in cloistris.1504 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 102 I wyll y^t he or they shall keep at Cambryge at scoole.1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 127 Among the mountaines of this tract, the Pygmæans, by report do keepe.1633 P. Fletcher Purple Island v. xxv. 53 Here stands the palace of the noblest sense; Here Visus keeps.1719 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 214 In y^e Room where M^r Maynard keeps there was acted..a Pastoral.1775 A. Adams in J. Adams & A. Adams Familiar Lett. (1876) 128 I have..been upon a visit to Mrs. Morgan, who keeps at Major Mifflin's.1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan I. 255 A little ‘Virginny gal’ who was ‘keepin’ there.1859 J. Payn Foster Brothers xvii. 314 Where does Mr. Hollis ‘keep’? inquired he of his bedmaker.1883 Cambr. Staircase viii. 137 Holtmore..keeps out of college.1889 Boston (Mass.) Jrnl. 8 July 3/3 Just where Mrs. Stevens kept in Boston is unknown to history. 38. a. To remain or stay for the time (in a particular place or spot). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go bidec893 yleaveOE leaveOE wonc1000 abideOE worthOE beliveOE atstutte-nc1220 stuttea1225 atstuntc1230 astinta1250 beleavea1325 lasta1325 stounda1325 stinta1340 joukc1374 restaya1382 to leave over1394 liec1400 byec1425 onbidec1430 keep1560 stay1575 delay1655 to wait on1773 stop1801 to sit on1815 to hang around1830 to stick around1878 to sit tight1897 remain1912 stay-down1948 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccxiiij The rest..were driuen to kepe in caues and sellars vnder the earth. 1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke Pref. Being compelled to keepe at home. a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) iii. vii. 74 Marcus Octauius..and Celius, are for Sea: But we keepe whole by Land. View more context for this quotation 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 55 If we had kept on board, we had been all safe. 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 272 I kept..within Doors. 1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola II. xv. 177 He suggested that she should keep in her own room. 1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. III. xxx. 136 I told him to keep where he was. 1891 F. W. Robinson Her Love & his Life III. vi. ii. 112 The wind kept in the proper quarter. b. Of a school: to be held. U.S. ΚΠ 1845 Knickerbocker 26 277 One afternoon, when ‘school didn't keep’, some one got into the house. 1867 ‘T. Lackland’ Homespun i. 123 The District School has not ‘kept’ since the week began. 1908 M. E. Freeman Shoulders of Atlas 68 School ain't going to keep today. 39. To remain or continue in a specified condition, state, position, etc. a. With adverbial or prepositional phrases: see also branch Phrasal verbs 1. ΚΠ a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) iii. iii. 77 Keepe in that minde, Ile deserue it. View more context for this quotation 1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 93 You must recede and keep at distance. 1670 S. Wilson Lassels's Voy. Italy (new ed.) ii. 378 We strangers..must keep out of their way, and stand a loof off. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 263 Creusa kept behind. 1705 tr. W. Bosman New Descr. Coast of Guinea xx. 411 If they have not hit the Buffel they sit still, and keep out of Danger. 1805 Ld. Nelson 20 Oct. in Dispatches & Lett. (1846) VII. 136 To keep..in sight of the Enemy in the night. 1823 Douglas, or, Otterburn II. viii. 102 Mervine kept by the side of his friend. 1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxviii. 171 The men kept in excellent health. 1890 T. F. Tout in F. Y. Powell et al. Hist. Eng. III. viii. iv. 48 He kept in touch with public opinion. b. with adjective (or equivalent substantive). ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > be permanent [verb (intransitive)] > remain, continue > in specified state ofstandeOE atstandc1000 goOE standOE containc1380 perseverec1380 contunec1400 to hold inc1400 setc1400 remain?a1450 continue1503 stay1570 keepc1600 subsista1616 c1600 Acct.-bk. W. Wray in Antiquary (1896) 32 80 This..will kepe but one yeare good. a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) ii. i. 26 This seruitude makes you to keepe vnwed. View more context for this quotation 1699 W. Dampier Voy. & Descr. iii. v. 47 When these hot Winds come the better sort of People..keep close. 1814 J. W. Doyle Let. in W. J. Fitzpatrick Life, Times, & Corr. Dr. Doyle (1861) II. 66 We were constantly making efforts to keep clear of them. 1825 New Monthly Mag. 15 406 It will keep sweet a very long time. 1870 J. R. Lowell My Study Windows 120 It is the part of a critic to keep cool under whatever circumstances. 1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xiv. 78 We want to keep friends. 40. a. To continue, persevere, go on (in a specified course or action). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue doing or keep going in a course of action [verb (intransitive)] to hold a wayOE to hold forthc1200 to hold ona1225 reignc1300 lasta1325 continuea1340 to continue doing or to doc1384 pursuea1425 perseverec1425 to hold one's wayc1480 prosecute1528 to go on1533 to run on1533 keep1548 to follow on1560 insist1586 to keep on1589 to carry on1832 to carry on1857 string1869 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxi^v The Dukes messengers..durst not kepe on their iorney. 1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 91 He had such comfort of the king, as he kept on his purpose. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II v. ii. 10 The Duke..With slow, but stately pase kept on his course. View more context for this quotation 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 48. ⁋4 We kept on our Way after him till we came to Exchange-Alley. 1857 B. Taylor Northern Trav. 48 We kept down the left bank of the river for a little distance. 1889 W. Westall Birch Dene III. ii. 41 Turn to the left and keep straight on. 1891 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Prisoners & Captives III. xiv. 235 After passing Spitzbergen they would keep to the north. b. With present participle as complement. ΚΠ 1800 W. Gifford Baviad (ed. 6) 27 (note) Some contemptible vulgarity, such as ‘That's your sort!’..‘What's to pay?’ ‘Keep moving’, &c. 1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. vi. 131 The Monster..keeps braying away. 1858 N. Hawthorne Fr. & Ital. Jrnls. I. 124 Niagara..keeps pouring on forever and ever. 1890 T. F. Tout in F. Y. Powell et al. Hist. Eng. III. 134 He kept changing his plans. 1892 Temple Bar Feb. 198 She kept tumbling off her horse. 41. To remain in good condition; to last without spoiling. Also figurative to admit of being reserved for another occasion. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > preservation from injury or destruction > preserve from injury or destruction [verb (intransitive)] > remain in good condition lastc1300 keepa1586 preserve1585 a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. sig. M8^v Doth beauties keep, which neuer Sunne can burne, Nor stormes doo turne. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §627 Grapes..it is reported..will keep better in a vessel half full of wine, so that the grapes touch not the wine. 1705 Lett. in Chr. Wordsworth Scholæ Academ. (1877) 291 When he is to be buried I can't tell, but they say he can't keep long. 1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 198 I had no Hops to make it keep. 1836 T. P. Thompson Exercises (1842) IV. 106 I will defer any observations..till my next. And there was nothing but what will keep. 1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest I. v. 85 He brought home more venison that would keep in the hot weather. 1889 A. Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xi. 92 Your story, however, can keep. Phrasal verbs PV1. With adverbs. to keep away 1. transitive. To cause to remain absent or afar; to prevent from coming near. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > keep (a thing or person) at a distance to hold offc1420 withhold1513 to keep away1548 to keep off1548 to stop off1722 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxi Her frendes..said, that she was kept awaie..by Sorcerers and Necromanciers. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iv. iv. 22 Let not your priuate discord keepe away The leuied succours that should lend him ayde. View more context for this quotation 1872 E. A. Freeman Gen. Sketch European Hist. xvii. §3. 352 The French frontier, which first reached the Rhine in 1648, is now kept quite away from it. 2. intransitive. To remain absent or at a distance; to hold one's course at a distance; to move off. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)] to stand apart1538 to stand off1600 to hold off1604 to keep awaya1616 to keep offa1616 distance1658 to keep one's luff1682 to keep back1836 the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > keep at a distance from something overboweOE forbowa1000 large1511 cleara1616 to keep awaya1616 to steer clear of1723 to give a good, clear, or (usually since 1800) wide berth to1753 keep a wide berth of1855 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) iii. iv. 170 What, keepe a weeke away? seuen daies and nights. View more context for this quotation a1889 W. Collins Blind Love (1890) III. liii. 130 I could not keep away from you. 3. Nautical. transitive. To cause to sail ‘off the wind’ or to leeward. intransitive, to sail off the wind or to leeward. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > avail oneself of a wind [verb (intransitive)] > sail with wind abaft the beam > sail off the wind or to leeward to keep away1805 society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > get into the current of the wind [verb (transitive)] > cause to fall off or to leeward > cause to sail off the wind or to leeward to keep away1867 1805 E. Berry 13 Oct. in Ld. Nelson Disp. & Lett. (1846) VII. 118 (note) I was determined not to keep away, and I could not tack without the certainty of a broadside. 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. (at cited word) Keep her away, alter the ship's course to leeward, by sailing further off the wind. 1874 F. G. D. Bedford Sailor's Pocket Bk. iv. 100 If the vessel keeps away [from wind's eye] 5 points she must steam or sail at the rate of 7·2 knots, to be in an equally good position. to keep back 1. transitive. To restrain; to detain; to hold back forcibly; to retard the progress, advance, or growth of. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] pindeOE steerc950 hold971 forbidc1000 withstewc1175 withholdc1200 stewa1225 crempa1250 bistintc1300 i-stillc1315 withdraw1340 entemperc1380 rebukec1380 forfenda1382 refraina1382 refrainc1390 restraina1393 restayc1400 retainc1415 to hold abackc1440 overholda1450 reclaim?c1450 revokec1450 bedwynge1480 sniba1500 repressa1525 rein1531 inhibit1535 to keep back1535 cohibit1544 reprimec1550 lithe1552 to rein up1574 check1581 embridle1583 to rein in1593 retrench1594 refrenate1599 to hold back1600 snip1601 becheck1605 sneap1611 trasha1616 supersede1645 reprimand1689 snape1691 to clap a guy on1814 to pull up1861 to pull in1893 withstrain1904 1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Kings iv. 24 Dryue forth, and kepe me not bak with rydinge. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclxiij^v I haue kept backe no man from the true Religion. 1678 N. Wanley Wonders Little World v. i. §98. 468/1 He..strongly kept back the Turk from encroachments upon his Dominions. 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 310 The Wheat stands, to endure a farther ripening, being kept back by the Chill Winds. 1848 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 9 ii. 556 Bine that has been kept back..by cold weather. 1890 G. M. Fenn Double Knot I. iv. 129 She made a brave effort to keep back her tears. 2. To withhold; to retain or reserve designedly; to conceal. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > retaining > retain or keep [verb (transitive)] > keep what is due to or desired by another ofholdOE withholdc1200 abstaina1387 keep?1463 to hold up?1499 refrain?1504 outhold1512 detainc1535 to keep back1535 subtracta1538 substract1542 to hold out1907 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] > keep back, not mention heelOE to hold back1535 whust1558 whist1570 to keep in1574 to keep back1612 to keep up1678 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms xxxix. [xl.] 10 I kepe not thy louynge mercy..backe from the greate congregacion. 1583 P. Stubbes Second Pt. Anat. Abuses sig. L4^v The church will keepe no part of the liuing backe from the pastor, if he doe his dutie. 1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 120 Some are so close, and reserved, as they..seeme alwaies to keepe back somewhat. 1647 H. More Philos. Poems ii. i. ii. vii Long keppen back from your expecting sight. 1888 G. Gissing Life's Morning II. xv. 302 It really seemed to me as if she were keeping something back. 3. intransitive. To hold oneself or remain back. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)] to stand apart1538 to stand off1600 to hold off1604 to keep awaya1616 to keep offa1616 distance1658 to keep one's luff1682 to keep back1836 1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) iv. 35 There was a request to ‘keep back’ from the front. to keep down 1. transitive. To hold down; to hold in subjection or under control; to repress. spec. to retain (food, etc.) in one's stomach, without vomiting. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > destroy [verb (transitive)] > crush, stifle, or overwhelm (feelings, etc.) shendOE whelvec1000 allayOE ofdrunkenc1175 quenchc1175 quashc1275 stanchc1315 quella1325 slockena1340 drenchc1374 vanquishc1380 stuffa1387 daunt?a1400 adauntc1400 to put downa1425 overwhelmc1425 overwhelvec1450 quatc1450 slockc1485 suppressa1500 suffocate1526 quealc1530 to trample under foot1530 repress1532 quail1533 suppress1537 infringe1543 revocate1547 whelm1553 queasom1561 knetcha1564 squench1577 restinguish1579 to keep down1581 trample1583 repel1592 accable1602 crush1610 to wrestle down?1611 chokea1616 stranglea1616 stifle1621 smother1632 overpower1646 resuppress1654 strangulate1665 instranglea1670 to choke back, down, in, out1690 to nip or crush in the bud1746 spiflicate1749 squasha1777 to get under1799 burke1835 to stamp out1851 to trample down1853 quelch1864 to sit upon ——1864 squelch1864 smash1865 garrotte1878 scotch1888 douse1916 to drive under1920 stomp1936 stultify1958 society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] > keep in subjection to hold down1533 underkeep1590 to keep down1723 snool1735 the world > life > the body > digestive or excretive organs > digestive organs > digest [verb (transitive)] > retain in stomach to keep down1955 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. 3 b Sudden flames by force kept downe. 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 197 They keepe them low & down by subtraction of their meat. 1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 38 You should..keep down your spirits both in this and other cases. 1723 D. Defoe Hist. Col. Jack (ed. 2) 79 Will kept the Man down, who was under him. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. i. 34 A hundred thousand soldiers..will keep down ten millions of ploughmen and artisans. 1889 C. Smith Repentance Paul Wentworth III. xvi. 291 She had hard work to keep down her tears. 1955 ‘A. Gilbert’ Is she Dead Too? vi. 119 Think you could keep some hot tea down? Well, have a try. 1968 ‘S. Woods’ Past Praying For ii. 71 Nothing had been given to Oliver without Dr. Noyes's consent; and, anyway, he couldn't keep anything down. 1969 A. E. Lindop Sight Unseen xxix. 246 He's best with his Eno's if I can get him to keep it down. 1973 ‘A. York’ Captivator iv. 62 ‘Aren't you going to eat?..’ ‘I don't think I could keep it down.’ 2. To keep low in amount or number; to prevent from growing, increasing, or accumulating. ΚΠ 1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) II. 201 The executors..ought to keep down the interest. 1840 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 1 iii. 259 The Tartarian oats kept down the clover. 1851 Beck's Florist Jan. 21 Pick off decaying leaves, and keep down insects. 1869 W. Longman Hist. Edward III I. xvi. 309 Employers..combined to keep down wages. 3. Painting. (See quot. 1854.) ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > painting > art of colouring > colour [verb (transitive)] > modify tone > tone down to keep down1768 tone1831 1768 W. Gilpin Ess. Prints 210 The effect..might have been better, if all the lights upon it had been kept down. 1805 E. Dayes Wks. 290 Should the objects give a sufficient quantity of Light and Shade, the sky may be kept down. 1854 F. W. Fairholt Dict. Terms Art Kept down, subdued in tone or tint, so that that portion of the picture thus treated is rendered subordinate to some other part. 4. Printing. To set in lower-case type, as a word or letter; to use capitals somewhat sparingly. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] > set in upper or lower case to keep down1888 1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70 5. intransitive. To remain low or subdued. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > remain subdued to keep down1889 1889 M. E. Carter Mrs. Severn III. iii. ix. 219 Praying that the wind would keep down for a few hours. to keep in 1. transitive. To confine within; to hold in check; to restrain; not to utter or give vent to; spec. to confine in school after hours. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > taciturnity or reticence > refrain from uttering [verb (transitive)] > silence or prevent from speaking to stop a person's mouthc1175 stilla1225 to keep ina1420 stifle1496 to knit up1530 to muzzle (up) the mouth1531 choke1533 muzzle?1542 to tie a person's tongue1544 tongue-tiea1555 silence1592 untongue1598 to reduce (a person or thing) to silence1605 to bite in1608 gaga1616 to swear downa1616 to laugh down1616 stifle1621 to cry down1623 unworda1627 clamour1646 splint1648 to take down1656 snap1677 stick1708 shut1809 to shut up1814 to cough down1823 to scrape down1855 to howl down1872 extinguish1878 hold1901 shout1924 to pipe down1926 the mind > emotion > absence of emotion > make emotionally unfeeling [verb (transitive)] > suppress emotions forbearOE refrainc1384 repressa1393 subdue1483 suppressa1500 squat1577 to bite in1608 contain?1611 to keep ina1616 swallowa1643 society > authority > punishment > other types of punishment > [verb (transitive)] > confine in school to keep in1893 a1420 T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum 1015 We..keepe muste our song and wordes in. 1493 Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) vi. sig. Bi^v/1 To kepe in his chyldern that they shold not sterte abrode fro the scole. a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. v. 188 It is the more like to be feigned, I pray you keep it in . View more context for this quotation 1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 24 He is not able to keep in his anger. 1713 J. Addison Cato i. iv Your zeal becomes importunate..but learn to keep it in. 1893 Pall Mall Mag. 1 28 He had been ‘kept in’.., and his schoolmates had all gone. †2. To keep from public currency. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] > keep back, not mention heelOE to hold back1535 whust1558 whist1570 to keep in1574 to keep back1612 to keep up1678 1574 J. Baret Aluearie K 23 To keepe in corne to thende to make it dere. a1693 M. Bruce Good News in Evil Times (1708) 68 Thanks be to him that hath ay keeped in our Black side yet, and hath not let the World see it yet. 3. To keep (a fire) burning: cf. in adv. 14. Also intransitive of a fire: To continue to burn. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > make a fire > keep fire going foster?c1225 stove1590 to keep in1659 to keep up1840 to keep on1891 the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > a fire > [verb (intransitive)] > of a fire: continue to burn to keep in1849 1659 J. Arrowsmith Armilla Catechetica 160 As culinary fire must be kindled and kept in by external materials. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 72. ¶7 They observe the law..which orders the Fire to be always kept in. 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) § 247 This evening's tide we worked with links, and it began to blow so fresh that we had much ado to keep them in. 1849 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 10 i. 149 The fire..keeps in well twelve hours. 1892 Rev. of Reviews 15 Mar. 299/1 The fire can be kept in all night. 4. Printing. To set type closely spaced. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > printed matter > arrangement or appearance of printed matter > appearance of printed matter [verb (transitive)] > set type closely spaced to keep in1683 1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 382 Keep in, is a caution either given to, or resolved on, by the Compositer, where there may be doubt of Driving out his Matter beyond his Counting off. 1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70 5. to keep one's hand in: see hand n. Phrases 3f. 6. intransitive. To remain indoors, or within a retreat, place, position, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > absence of movement > [verb (intransitive)] > remain as opposed to go > within a place to keep inc1430 to stay in1882 c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 711 Euermore she kept hir in. 1518 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 18 The inhabitants of thos howses that be..infectyd shall kepe in. 1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 250 It still keeps in (like an Owle) all the day time. 1838 F. T. Finch in Bell's Life in London 15 July Though for years we may keep in, we must, at length go out. 7. To keep in line or in touch with. ΚΠ 1733 Ess. Hunting 47 I could never yet see any Creature on two Legs keep in with the Dogs. 8. To remain in favour or on good terms with. Cf. in adv. Phrases 3a (Now colloquial) ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > be good friends > remain in favour or on good terms to keep in1598 1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iv. v. 96 He kept in, with Cæsar in no lesse fauour then authoritie. 1666 S. Pepys Diary 1 July (1972) VII. 189 Though I do not love him, yet I find it necessary to keep in with him. 1720 J. Ozell et al. tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Rom. Republic II. xiv. 333 Cæsar.. resolved to keep in equally with the Senate and Antony. 1883 W. Black Yolande III. v. 86 He's violent enough in the House; but that's to keep in with his constituents. to keep off 1. transitive. To hinder from coming near or touching; to ward off; to avert. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be far from [verb (transitive)] > keep (a thing or person) at a distance to hold offc1420 withhold1513 to keep away1548 to keep off1548 to stop off1722 the world > action or operation > safety > escape > escape from [verb (transitive)] > ward off harm withhold13.. defendc1330 to bear offc1380 withstand1398 shielda1400 repela1450 to keep off1548 repulse1560 warda1586 fence1589 shelter1621 ward1759 fend-off1830 to fend back1877 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxxiii^v Couered with bordes, onely to kepe of the wether. 1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iii. iii. 54 Ile giue thee armour to keepe off that word. View more context for this quotation 1662 J. Davies tr. A. Olearius Voy. & Trav. Ambassadors 24 Having white staves in their hands, to keep off the people. 1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. viii. 11 O Polly..By keeping Men off, you keep them on. 1883 G. M. Fenn Middy & Ensign xxii. 133 An umbrella held up to keep off the sun. 2. intransitive. To stay at a distance; to refrain from approaching; not to come on. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > be or remain at a distance [verb (intransitive)] to stand apart1538 to stand off1600 to hold off1604 to keep awaya1616 to keep offa1616 distance1658 to keep one's luff1682 to keep back1836 a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iv. iv. 21 You..Keepe off aloofe with worthlesse emulation. View more context for this quotation 1803 J. Hillyar Aug. in Ld. Nelson Disp. & Lett. (1845) II. 186 (note) The Master..told the Boats to keep off. 1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations II. xx. 334 I..put him away. ‘Stay!’ said I. ‘Keep off!’ 1891 Field 7 Nov. 699/2 If the frost keeps off. 3. transitive. To avoid or stay away from; not to use; also as attributive.phr.; keep off the grass: see grass n.¹ 5a. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > [adjective] > placed or kept at a distance > stay away from to keep off1949 the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > non-use > refrain from using [verb (transitive)] sparec1000 letc1400 to leave overa1646 to keep off1949 1949 M. Mead Male & Female ii. 42 Tchamwole..placed a keep-off sign on the coconut-palm-trees. 1968 Listener 12 Dec. 790/3 Girls at Amman University have been instructed..to keep off heavy make-up. to keep on 1. transitive. To maintain or retain in an existing condition or relation; to continue to hold, occupy, employ, entertain, or display. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE sustainc1300 keepc1315 maintainc1390 conservea1425 continuec1460 entertain1490 persevere1502 uphold?1523 containa1538 petrifya1631 conservate1647 to keep on1669 to keep up1670 preserve1677 support1696 fix1712 ossify1800 fossilize1848 1669 R. Montagu in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 439 Till the end of the quarter..her family should be kept on. 1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 10 If young, they are sometimes kept on for another season, and sent to fold. 1889 A. Sergeant Esther Denison I. i. xi. 138 Bingley asked him awkwardly whether he meant to ‘keep on the house’. 1890 Mrs. H. Wood House of Halliwell II. viii. 213 Let me reproach him as I will, he keeps on that provoking meekness. 2. To keep (a fire, etc.) going continuously. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > make a fire > keep fire going foster?c1225 stove1590 to keep in1659 to keep up1840 to keep on1891 1891 Rev. of Reviews 15 Sept. 287/2 When a fire is needed to be kept on all night. 3. intransitive. To continue or persist in a course or action; to go on with something. Now frequently with present participle. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue doing or keep going in a course of action [verb (intransitive)] to hold a wayOE to hold forthc1200 to hold ona1225 reignc1300 lasta1325 continuea1340 to continue doing or to doc1384 pursuea1425 perseverec1425 to hold one's wayc1480 prosecute1528 to go on1533 to run on1533 keep1548 to follow on1560 insist1586 to keep on1589 to carry on1832 to carry on1857 string1869 1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie ii. iii. 57 In this maner doth the Greeke dactilus begin slowly and keepe on swifter till th' end. a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1623) iii. iii. 458 The Ponticke Sea, Whose Icie Current..keepes due on To the Proponticke. 1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 255 We kept on all Night. 1856 Titan Mag. Dec. 516/1 ‘We shall never come across each other again’, she kept on saying to herself. 1889 A. Conan Doyle Micah Clarke xxii. 224 Strike quick, strike hard, and keep on striking. †4. To keep the head covered. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > wearing clothing > [verb (intransitive)] > in specific way > types of to cover (one's head)c1340 scrub1590 wimple1591 sag1592 to go thina1610 to be covered1611 rustlea1616 to keep on1621 veil1714 to shake (have) a cloth in the wind1834 smock-frock1840 pad1873 tighten1896 tight-lace1898 1621 P. Heylyn Microcosmus 314 They..keep on of all sides..counting it an opprobrious thing to see any men vncouer his head. 5. To remain fixed or attached; to stay on. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fact or action of being joined or joining > attachment > be or become attached or affixed [verb (intransitive)] > remain attached sticka1350 steekc1390 holdc1400 hang1639 stay1684 to keep on1892 1892 Cassell's Family Mag. July 469/2 [His] buttons never keep on. to keep out 1. transitive. To cause to remain without; to prevent from getting in. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > be on the outside of [verb (transitive)] > keep or shut out loukc1275 speara1300 beshutc1330 forbarc1330 warn?a1366 to close outa1382 to shut outc1384 steeka1393 again-louka1400 to keep outc1425 outshutc1450 seclude1498 to stop outc1530 to hedge out1549 confine1577 to hold out1583 out-bar1590 debar1593 excommunicate1602 expel1604 immurec1616 c1425 J. Lydgate Assembly of Gods 770 [He] Wold kepe out that other he shuld nat esyly entre. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. xciiij The Sea brake in ouer the walles, that are made to kepe it out. 1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace xxxiv. 575 He teaches them how to paint the glass, that he may keep out the light. 1780 W. Coxe Acct. Russ. Discov. 169 In order to keep out the rain. 1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 84 Locks..To keep out thieves at night. 1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. i. 2 Keep her [a boat] out, Lizzie. Tide runs strong here. 2. Printing. To set type widely spaced. ΘΚΠ society > communication > printing > preparatory processes > composing > compose [verb (transitive)] > space > set widely spaced to keep out1683 1683 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises II. Dict. 382 He Sets Wide, to Drive or Keep out. 1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70 3. intransitive. To ‘stay outside’, hold aloof. ΚΠ 1914 H. H. Asquith in W. R. Inge Lay Thoughts (1926) 127 [As Mr. Asquith said in August, 1914], ‘if we had kept out we should have been left without a friend in the world.’ to keep over transitive. To reserve, hold over. ΘΚΠ the world > time > a suitable time or opportunity > untimeliness > delay or postponement > delay [verb (transitive)] forslowc888 eldc897 forsita940 gele971 lengOE drilla1300 delayc1300 onfrestc1300 tarryc1320 jornc1330 dretchc1380 defer1382 forbida1387 to put offa1387 to put (also set) (something) in (or on) delaya1393 dilate1399 fordrawa1400 to put overc1410 latch?c1422 adjournc1425 prolongc1425 proloynec1425 rejournc1425 to put in respite1428 sleuthc1430 respitea1450 prorogue1453 refer1466 sleep1470 supersede1482 respectc1487 postpone1496 overseta1500 respett1500 enjourna1513 relong1523 retract1524 tarde1524 track1524 to fode forth1525 tract1527 protract1528 further1529 to make stay of1530 surcease1530 prorogate1534 to fay upon longc1540 linger1543 retard?1543 slake1544 procrastine1548 reprieve1548 remit1550 suspense1556 leave1559 shiftc1562 suspend1566 procrastinate1569 dally1574 post1577 to hold off1580 drift1584 loiter1589 postpose1598 to take one's (own) timea1602 flag1602 slug1605 elong1610 belay1613 demur1613 tardya1616 to hang up1623 frist1637 disjourn1642 future1642 off1642 waive1653 superannuate1655 perendinate1656 stave1664 detard1675 remora1686 to put back1718 withhold1726 protract1737 to keep over1847 to hold over1853 laten1860 to lay over1885 hold1891 back-burner1975 1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 6 Some breeders keep them [lambs] over until the next spring. 1893 Field 4 Mar. 331/2 Keeping over old wheat stocks for a rise in price. to keep to Nautical. transitive. To cause (a ship) to sail close to the wind. ΘΚΠ society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > get into the current of the wind [verb (transitive)] > keep ship close to wind to keep to1692 1692 Smith's Sea-mans Gram. (new ed.) i. xvi. 76 In keeping the Ship near the Wind, these terms are used..keep her to, touch the Wind. 1706 Phillips's New World of Words (new ed.) Keep your loof or Keep her to. to keep together 1. transitive. To cause to remain in association or union. to keep body (†life) and soul together: to keep (oneself) alive. ΘΚΠ the world > life > source or principle of life > [verb (transitive)] > sustain life sustainc1330 lead?a1366 finda1450 sustentate1542 breast1573 subsist1612 to keep body (life) and soul togethera1616 preserve1694 to eke out1825 society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate with [verb (transitive)] > keep together to keep togethera1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iii. i. 48 Clo. Would not a paire of these haue bred sir? Vio. Yes being kept together, and put to vse. View more context for this quotation 1693 N. Tate tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires xv. 301 The Vascons once with Man's Flesh (as 'tis sed) Kept Life and Soul together. 1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 i. 43 It is a poor loose sand..only kept together by the roots of the sea-bent. 1884 Cent. Mag. Nov. 54/2 How on earth they managed to keep body and soul together. 1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. ‘A hard struggle to keep body and soul together.’ 2. intransitive. To remain associated or united. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate together or with [verb (intransitive)] > remain associated to keep together1560 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. ccccxxxv Let them..kepe together, and in no wise scatter abrode. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry V (1623) ii. ii. 102 Treason, and murther, euer kept together . View more context for this quotation 1768 J. Byron Narr. Patagonia 13 It did not become him to desert it as long as the ship kept together. 1820 W. Irving Little Britain in Sketch Bk. vii. 96 I have a particular respect for three or four high-backed, clawfooted chairs... They seem to me to keep together. to keep under transitive. To hold in subjection or under control; to keep down. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] wieldOE i-weldeOE onwaldOE overwieldlOE amaistera1250 underlaya1300 daunt1303 underbringc1320 yoke?c1335 undercasta1340 afaitec1350 faite1362 subjecta1382 to make subjectc1384 distraina1400 underlouta1400 underthewa1400 underset1422 subjectc1460 subjuge?1473 submise?1473 dompt1480 suppedit?1483 to keep under1486 abandon1487 bandon?a1500 suppeditatec1545 to bring under1563 reduce1569 assubject1579 overpower1597 envassal1606 assubjugate1609 vassal1612 subact1619 vassalize1647 vassalate1659 to school down1818 to ride herd on (also over)1895 1486–1504 Quinton MSS. in W. Denton Eng. in 15th Cent. (1888) 318 (Note D) For mane men wyll ley owt more to kepe vnder the pore th(en) for to helpe thaym. 1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 19^v Geue them a bit to keep them vnder. 1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. ix. 27 I keepe under my body, and bring it into subiection. View more context for this quotation 1712 G. Berkeley Passive Obed. §13. 16 Like all other Passions [they] must be restrain'd and kept under. 1843 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 4 i. 116 The services of birds in keeping under noxious insects. 1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster II. ix. 115 She had been accustomed to be kept under all her life. to keep up 1. transitive. To keep shut up or confined. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > confine [verb (transitive)] beloukOE loukOE sparc1175 pena1200 bepen?c1225 pind?c1225 prison?c1225 spearc1300 stopc1315 restraina1325 aclosec1350 forbara1375 reclosea1382 ward1390 enclose1393 locka1400 reclusea1400 pinc1400 sparc1430 hamperc1440 umbecastc1440 murea1450 penda1450 mew?c1450 to shut inc1460 encharter1484 to shut up1490 bara1500 hedge1549 hema1552 impound1562 strain1566 chamber1568 to lock up1568 coop1570 incarcerate1575 cage1577 mew1581 kennel1582 coop1583 encagea1586 pound1589 imprisonc1595 encloister1596 button1598 immure1598 seclude1598 uplock1600 stow1602 confine1603 jail1604 hearse1608 bail1609 hasp1620 cub1621 secure1621 incarcera1653 fasten1658 to keep up1673 nun1753 mope1765 quarantine1804 peg1824 penfold1851 encoop1867 oubliette1884 jigger1887 corral1890 maroon1904 to bang up1950 to lock down1971 a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) i. ii. 60 Keepe vp your bright swords, for the dew will rust em. 1654 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1883) I. 191 Swyne..ought to bee kept up in their styes. 1673 W. Wycherley Gentleman Dancing-master ii. i Have you kept up my daughter close in my absence? 1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews iv. viii, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 120 If his owner..having known what his nature was..hath not kept him [sc. an ox] up. 1847 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 8 i. 31 When sheep are kept up in sheds during the winter. †2. To keep secret or undivulged. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep from knowledge [verb (transitive)] > keep back, not mention heelOE to hold back1535 whust1558 whist1570 to keep in1574 to keep back1612 to keep up1678 1678 R. Cudworth True Intellect. Syst. Universe i. iii. 177 So long as these things are concealed and kept up in Huggermugger. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 406 They..had not sailed, when the Proclamation came down: Yet it was kept up, till they sailed away. 1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd ii. iii What fowk say of me, Bauldy, let me hear; Keep naithing up. 3. To support, sustain; to prevent from sinking or falling. Also intransitive. To bear up, so as not to break down. to keep the ball up (see ball n.¹ Phrases 1). to keep one's wicket up (Cricket): to remain in, to continue one's innings. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > support > [verb (transitive)] to bear upeOE underbearc950 bearOE holdc1000 weighc1200 to hold up1297 upholda1300 sustainc1330 undersetc1330 comforta1382 underbear1382 upbear1390 sustaina1398 upkeepc1412 carrya1425 supporta1425 chargea1500 convey1514 avoke1529 confirm1542 stay1548 to carry up1570 bolster1581 lift1590 upstay1590 atlas1593 sustent1605 statuminatea1628 firm1646 appui1656 establish1664 shoulder1674 to keep up1681 upheave1729 withhold1769 1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace ix. 190 Of great use to keep up the soul above water. 1694 F. Bragge Pract. Disc. Parables xiii. 425 To keep up their spirits. 1801 H. Swinburne in Crts. Europe close last Cent. (1841) II. 299 This ridiculous folly keeps the stocks up. 1868 J. E. T. Rogers Man. Polit. Econ. (1876) ix. 88 The purpose of a trades-union is to keep up the price of labour. 1884 James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Ann. ii. ii. 60 He kept up his wicket until the finish. 1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster II. xii. 262 But for her sweetness and bravery, I never could have kept up through all this terrible trial. 4. To maintain in a worthy or effective condition; to support; to keep in repair; to keep burning. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] > in effective condition to keep up1552 the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > burn or consume by fire [verb (transitive)] > make a fire > keep fire going foster?c1225 stove1590 to keep in1659 to keep up1840 to keep on1891 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Kepe vp by cheryshinge, alo, foveo. Kepe vp by maintenaunce, sustento. 1670 Sir S. Crow in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 15 Findeing that business..a burden..to keepe it upp in that perfection I found and made itt. 1678 Lady Chaworth in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 51 The King had a mind..to keep up his army and navy till that peace was made. 1701 W. Wotton Hist. Rome vi. 106 The Athenians still kept up regular Professors for all those Sciences. 1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xxvi. 86 We kept up a small fire, by which we cooked our mussels. 1875 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) III. xii. 173 A causeway which is still in being and which is kept up as a modern road. 5. To maintain, retain, preserve (a quality, state of things, accomplishment, etc.); to keep from deteriorating or disappearing. ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE sustainc1300 keepc1315 maintainc1390 conservea1425 continuec1460 entertain1490 persevere1502 uphold?1523 containa1538 petrifya1631 conservate1647 to keep on1669 to keep up1670 preserve1677 support1696 fix1712 ossify1800 fossilize1848 1670 T. S. & A. Roberts Adventures Eng. Merchant 51 Orders of Men..that keep up the Honour of Religion amongst them. 1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 379 Albano keeps up its Credit still for Wine. 1791 Gentleman's Mag. Jan. 20/2 The clergy would, from the calls of their profession..keep up their classical acquirements. 1836 J. Grant Great Metrop. I. ii. 44 They must maintain their dignity; they must keep up appearances. 1884 C. L. Pirkis Judith Wynne I. v. 48 Oughtn't she to have a horse, and keep up her riding? 6. To maintain, continue, go on with (an action or course of action). Esp. in keep it up; spec. to prolong a party, drinking-spree, etc.; to ‘live it up’. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE to hold fortha1325 sustainc1325 containc1330 continuea1340 maintainc1385 carrya1393 keepc1425 to keep upa1535 to stick by ——1551 to hold on1568 to hold out1595 to carry on1609 subsist1633 to keep at ——1825 society > leisure > social event > a merrymaking or convivial occasion > merrymaking or conviviality > make merry [verb (intransitive)] > prolong a party, drinking spree, etc. keep it up1752 a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 53/1 For his dissimulacion onelye kepte all that mischyefe vppe. 1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 51. ⁋2 The Difficulty of keeping up a sprightly Dialogue for five Acts together. 1752 J. Millward Let. in M. M. Verney Verney Lett. (1930) II. ii. xxxiv. 250 When they [sc. the Welsh] get in liquor they are very troublesome and noisy. They kept it up all night. 1783 Ann. Reg. 1781 Hist. Europe 16/1 Continual firing..was kept up during the day. 1788 F. Grose Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (ed. 2) To keep it up, to prolong a debauch. We kept it up finely last night; metaphor drawn from the game at shuttlecock. 1801 Farmer's Ha' (new ed.) lxiii. 62 Clear-blooded health..flees awa' frae keeping 't up, and midnight riot. 1810 M. van H. Dwight Jrnl. 28 Oct. in Journey to Ohio (1912) 16 The men dress much better—they put on their best cloaths on sunday,..& ‘keep it up’ as they call it. 1837 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers lii. 565 We were keeping it up pretty tolerably at the Stump last night, and I'm rather out of sorts this morning. 1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xiv. 367 The fight is kept up till night-fall. 1874 L. Troubridge Life amongst Troubridges (1966) 76 There were forty-six people and we kept it up till one... I had several good valses. 1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Jan. 11 He and I have kept up a correspondence. 1958 A. Huxley Let. 11 Jan. (1969) 842 Thank you for your long and very interesting letter—written, too, in the most wonderfully black ink... Keep it up! 7. To cause to remain out of bed. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > sleep > bed related to sleep or rest > put in bed or provide a bed for [verb (transitive)] > cause to remain out of bed to keep up1766 1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. ix. 87 Well pleased that my little ones were kept up beyond the usual time. 1839 W. M. Thackeray Fatal Boots xii Keeping her up till four o'clock in the morning. 1889 A. Sergeant Luck of House II. xxxvi. 228 I will keep you up no longer, for you look terribly pale and fagged. 8. Printing. To keep (type or matter) standing; also, to use capitals somewhat freely. ΚΠ 1888 C. T. Jacobi Printers' Vocab. 70 9. to keep up to: to prevent from falling below (a level, standard, principle, etc.); to keep informed of. Also intransitive for reflexive. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > have knowledge of [verb (intransitive)] canOE to know of ——c1350 savoura1382 understanda1400 kenc1400 weeta1547 to keep up to1712 to know about ——1761 to be (or get) wise to1896 to wise up1905 to have heard of1907 to be (or get) jerry (on, on to, to)1908 the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > maintaining state or condition > maintain [verb (transitive)] > maintain to a level or standard to keep up to1712 the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > knowledge, what is known > have knowledge, know [verb (transitive)] > make or keep informed familiarize1593 to keep up to1889 to put (one) wise (to)1896 to wise up1905 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 308. ⁋2 My Lady's whole Time and Thoughts are spent in keeping up to the Mode. 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Archit. I. 46/1 This Strength in the Corners is..only to keep the Wall up to its duty. 1841 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 2 i. 144 It keeps him better up to his work. 1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster III. xv. 41 A London correspondent who kept the country-folk up to the doings of the townsfolk. 1890 Universal Rev. Aug. 633 We should keep up to the mark in these matters. 10. intransitive. To continue alongside, keep abreast; to proceed at an equal pace with (literal and figurative). Esp. (originally U.S.) in to keep up (often keeping up) with the Joneses (or Jones's): to strive not to be outdone by one's neighbours; to emulate one's neighbours; also transferred. ΘΚΠ the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > keep pace with to hold a wayOE to run with ——?c1400 coast1413 endure1588 to keep upa1633 to keep with ——1817 pace1931 the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > be or become equal [verb (intransitive)] > rival or vie with strive?c1225 countervailc1525 to hold handc1600 compete1620 to keep upa1633 competition1650 tie1680 to fall over one another1888 the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > make ostentatious display or show off [verb (intransitive)] > keep up with one's neighbours to keep up (often keeping up) with the Joneses (or Jones's)1913 a1633 G. Herbert Priest to Temple (1652) ii. 5 They are not to be over-submissive and base, but to keep up with the Lord and Lady of the house. 1706 Wooden World Diss. (1708) 35 He tries every Way..to keep up with his Leader. 1890 W. F. Rae Maygrove II. vii. 272 Don't walk so fast..I can hardly keep up with you. 1913 A. R. Momand in Globe (N.Y.) 1 Apr. 16/3 (Comic-strip title) Keeping up with the Joneses—by Pop. 1926 Amer. Speech 1 281 Today most of us live in automobilia, where the automocracy is everlastingly trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. 1927 S. Chase & F. J. Schlink Your Money's Worth i. 7 Certain things we buy..to keep up with the Joneses, or happily, to surpass the Joneses. 1933 E. Weekley in Trans. Philol. Soc. 94 This tendency to personify by the use of a familiar name is due to the same psychology which describes the social ambitions of the suburbs as ‘keeping up with the Joneses’. 1952 F. P. Keyes Larry Vincent (1953) xxi. 284 He could not be thankful enough that he did not have a nagging wife, one who insisted on making a show, on ‘keeping up with the Joneses’, as people were beginning to say. 1957 Observer 25 Aug. 7/3 Britain.., always wanting to keep up with the Joneses of the richer South, hankered all the time after white bread only and achieved it one hundred per cent. by the mid-nineteenth century. 1958 Times 8 Nov. 7/2 Keeping up atomically with the Joneses is precisely what the talks were supposed to prevent. 1963 Times 1 Feb. 6/3 Lord Champion said hire-purchase commitments were often entered into through a stupid desire to keep up with the Joneses. This feeling was exploited by doorstep salesmen. 1970 Times 25 May 7/4 We like to keep up with the Joneses and are therefore well disposed to the new definition of democracy. 1971 Times Lit. Suppl. 1393/3 The lesser funerals, of Pooters with Joneses to keep up with, increased in cost, display and competitiveness. †11. To stay within doors; to put up or stop at. ΘΚΠ society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting temporarily > [verb (intransitive)] > at the house of another, an inn, etc. gesten?c1225 innc1390 host?c1450 bait1477 to be (or lie) at hosta1500 hostela1500 sojourn1573 to take up1607 guest?1615 to set upa1689 to keep up1704 to put up1706 lodge1749 room1809 hotel1889 dig1914 motel1961 society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabiting a type of place > inhabit type of place [verb (intransitive)] > inhabit house > remain indoors firec1500 to keep one's (or the) house1542 to keep up1704 to settle in1817 1704 Duchess of Marlborough in Buccleuch MSS (Hist. MSS Comm.) (1899) I. 353 I am very sorry to hear Lord Monthermont has had any accident to make him keep up. 1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 195 The Voiturin found himself obliged to keep up five miles short of his stage at a little decent kind of an inn. 12. To continue to maintain a friendship or acquaintance; to keep in touch. (Cf. 6.) ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > be good friends > maintain friendship or acquaintance to keep up1903 1903 C. Coleridge Life C. M. Yonge iv. 127 She did not seem to be able to keep in personal touch with them... She could not, as we say, ‘keep up’ with them. 1916 E. V. Lucas Vermilion Box xlii. 45 I heard this morning of the death..of two of my oldest friends—Jack Cazalet, who was at school with me, and Sandford Thrale, whom I knew at Oxford. Both went straight into the army, but we had kept up. 1947 ‘N. Shute’ Chequer Board 205 We were all in it together then. We ought to have kept up. 1971 ‘L. Marshall’ Murder's just for Cops xviii. 125 We always kept up—even after I got married. 1971 ‘D. Shannon’ Ringer (1972) i. 20 Mrs. Sneed had known Carolyn..before she got married, five years back, and they had ‘kept up’. PV2. With prepositions in specialized senses.Chiefly from 38, 39, 40. to keep at —— 1. To work persistently at; to continue to occupy oneself with. Also to keep at it: see at prep. 16b. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > continuing > continue (an action) [verb (transitive)] i-haldOE to hold fortha1325 sustainc1325 containc1330 continuea1340 maintainc1385 carrya1393 keepc1425 to keep upa1535 to stick by ——1551 to hold on1568 to hold out1595 to carry on1609 subsist1633 to keep at ——1825 1825 New Monthly Mag. 16 490 He should have kept at the law, he would have done for that. 1846 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 7 i. 130 By keeping at it all day he is able to get over nearly 2 acres. 1890 Pictorial World 9 Oct. 445/3 Who could keep at work on a morning like this? 1891 St. Nicholas Mag. 261 Still they keep at it, early and late. 2. Hence humorous nonce-compounds. ΚΠ 1882 J. A. Lees & W. J. Clutterbuck Three in Norway v. 38 In a nice keep-at-it-all-day-if-you-like kind of manner. 1895 Proc. 14th Convent. Amer. Instructors of Deaf p. lxix In school, and out of school,..at work or play; in short, by everlasting keep-at-it-iveness. to keep from —— 1. To abstain from; to remain absent or away from. ΘΚΠ the world > space > place > absence > be absent from [verb (transitive)] > absent oneself from discontinuea1475 to keep from ——a1535 refrain1534 dishaunt1608 disfrequent1646 cut1791 skip1824 a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 45/1 The prosperyte whereof standeth..in keepynge from enemyes or yll dyande. c1595 Countess of Pembroke Psalme lxxiv. 57 in Coll. Wks. (1998) II. 97 What is the cause..That thy right hand farr from us keepes? a1616 W. Shakespeare Comedy of Errors (1623) iii. i. 18 You would keepe from my heeles, and beware of an asse. View more context for this quotation 1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera i. viii. 10 I shall soon know if you are married, by Macheath's keeping from our House. 2. To restrain or contain oneself from. ΚΠ 1870 C. M. Yonge Cameos xcix, in Monthly Packet Mar. 250 Nor was Louis able to keep from turning pale. 1889 A. Conan Doyle Micah Clarke ii. 20 We could not keep from laughter. 1890 Lippincott's Monthly Mag. Feb. 150 I could hardly keep from smiling. to keep to —— 1. To adhere to, stick to, abide by (a promise, agreement, etc.); to continue to maintain or observe. Also with indirect passive. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe [verb (transitive)] > continue to observe to keep to ——1625 1625 C. Burges New Discouery Personal Tithes 24 He must keepe to his Rule, or hee damnably sinneth. 1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xviii. 518 Not finding the Governour keep to his agreement with me. 1781 R. B. Sheridan Critic i. i If they had kept to that, I should not have been such an enemy to the stage. 1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 104 I will keep to my resolution. 1825 New Monthly Mag. 15 511/2 The author has kept very closely to the historical facts. 1901 N.E.D. at Keep Mod. I hope the plan will be kept to. 2. To confine or restrict oneself to. to keep to oneself, also (colloquial) to keep oneself to oneself, to avoid the society of others. ΘΚΠ society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restriction or limitation > restrict or limit [verb (transitive)] > to something tinec1430 naila1522 conclude1548 astrict1588 to keep to ——1698 pin1718 thirl1864 society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > lack of social communications or relations [verb (intransitive)] to keep quarterc1550 uncompane1589 to have nothing to say to (also with)1603 to live in (also within) oneself1644 to keep oneself to oneself1748 to fight shy1778 to cultivate one's (own) garden1789 to hoe one's own row1832 the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being special or restricted in application > quality of being restricted or limited > restrict or limit to something [verb (reflexive)] confine1646 to keep to ——1748 1698 J. Fryer New Acct. E.-India & Persia 174 He is married to Four Wives, to whom he keeps religiously. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 129. ¶1 Did they keep to one constant Dress they would sometimes be in the Fashion. 1748 S. Richardson Clarissa IV. v. 27 I was resolved to keep myself to myself till I knew the issue of it. 1788 W. Blane Acct. Hunting Excurs. 17 They generally keep to the thick forests where it is impossible to follow them. 1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. xv. 327 We had much better keep to the road. 1846 ‘Lord Chief Baron’ Swell's Night Guide (new ed.) 45 The divil a rap but that had bin her own, if she'd bin after keeping hersilf to hersilf. 1848 J. H. Newman Loss & Gain iii. ix. 374 What can I have done better than keep myself to myself, go by my best reason, consult the friends whom I happened to find around me, as I have done, and wait in patience till I was sure of my convictions? 1881 G. M. Craik Sydney III. ii. 44 He had merely to keep to the sofa for two or three days. 1889 J. Masterman Scotts of Bestminster I. iv. 142 Content with each other, they kept to themselves. 1891 Sat. Rev. 18 Apr. 483/1 She shall keep to her room and he will keep to his. 1905 H. G. Wells Kipps i. i. 7 They ‘kept themselves to themselves’, according to the English ideal. 1960 ‘H. Carmichael’ Seeds of Hate iv. 37 My husband and I like to keep ourselves to ourselves. We haven't got many friends. 1960 D. Lessing In Pursuit of Eng. iv. 158 She keeps herself to herself so much. 1973 J. Porter It's Murder with Dover ii. 17 Miss Marsh has always been one for keeping herself to herself. to keep with —— To remain or stay with; to associate or keep company with; to keep up with. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > associate together or with [verb (intransitive)] mingc1275 company1387 joinc1390 meddlec1390 herd?a1400 fellowshipc1430 enfellowship1470 to step in1474 accompany?1490 yoke?a1513 to keep with ——c1515 conjoin1532 wag1550 frequent1577 encroach1579 consort1588 sort1595 commerce1596 troop1597 converse1598 to keep (also enter, come into, etc.) commons1598 to enter common1604 atone1611 to walk (also travel) in the way with1611 minglea1616 consociate1638 associate1644 corrive1647 co-unite1650 walk1650 cohere1651 engage1657 mix1667 accustom1670 to make one1711 coalite1735 commerciate1740 to have nothing to say to (also with)1780 gang?1791 companion1792 mess1795 matea1832 comrade1865 to go around1904 to throw in with1906 to get down1975 the world > movement > rate of motion > move at specific rate [verb (transitive)] > keep pace with to hold a wayOE to run with ——?c1400 coast1413 endure1588 to keep upa1633 to keep with ——1817 pace1931 c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) liv. 181 He may as sone go to your enemyes parte as to kepe with you. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 345 Goe then; and..keepe with Bohemia, And with your Queene. View more context for this quotation 1817 W. Selwyn Abridgem. Law Nisi Prius (ed. 4) II. 940 To keep with convoy during the whole voyage. 1891 Field 19 Dec. 956/3 The very select few who were fortunate enough to keep with hounds. Compounds Combinations. Also keepsake n. † keep-door n. Obsolete a porter, door-ward.Apparently an isolated use. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > worker > workers according to type of work > manual or industrial worker > other manual or industrial workers > [noun] > porter > types of wine-porter1580 street porter1606 tackle-house porter1606 tackle-porter1607 sealed porter1631 ticket-porter1646 tub-woman1660 keep-door1682 Suisse1763 bamboo-coolie1800 hop-porter1812 plyer1826 night porter1841 fellowship1864 hall-porter1883 mobber1892 redcap1903 badgeman1904 bummaree1954 1682 A. Behn City-heiress iv. i. 45 Good Mistriss keep-door, stand by: for I must enter. keep-fit adj. denoting exercises, etc., designed to keep people fit and healthy, and (occasionally) a person who does such exercises; also elliptical as n. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > gymnastics > exercise > [adjective] > exercises for fitness keep-fit1938 1938 M. Carter Living Soul in Holloway vi. 77 Gardening comes into their day's programme and ‘keep fit’ exercises. 1939 ‘N. Blake’ Smiler with Knife v. 88 A healthy, bouncing, Keep-Fit sort of girl. 1961 J. Stroud Touch & Go xii. 119 A Girls' Keep Fit class was in session. 1965 W. Lamb Posture & Gesture ii. 31 There could be a revolution in all physical behaviour pursuits,..including..country dancing, ballet, and ‘Keep Fit’. 1967 O. Norton Now lying Dead iii. 54 Monday he goes to his Keep Fit. Imagine him in his little black shorts! 1971 Fremdsprachen 15 63 Women..going to ‘Keep Fit’ classes. 1974 H. R. F. Keating Bats fly Up vii. 78 The OSP's well-known mania for keep-fit. † keep-friend n. Obsolete (see quot.). ΚΠ 1675 Hist. Don Quix. 45 He had besides two iron rings about his neck, the one of the chain, and the other of that kind which are called A keep-friend, or the foot of a friend; from whence descended two irons unto his middle. keep-left adj. designating a sign, etc., directing traffic to the left of the road. ΘΚΠ society > travel > transport > transport or conveyance in a vehicle > vehicular traffic > [adjective] > types of traffic sign or light stop-go1918 stop-and-go1926 keep-left1936 1936 Discovery Nov. 359/1 Street lamps, traffic bollards, and ‘keep left’ signs are automatically lit. 1962 C. Watson Hopjoy was Here iv. 38 A pair of dogs..coupled on the road's crown and performed a six-legged waltz around a keep-left bollard. † keep-net n. Obsolete ? a net for keeping fish in. ΚΠ 1623 R. Whitbourne Disc. New-found-land 75 Ten keipnet Irons..Twine to make Keipnets, &c. † keep-off n. Obsolete a means of keeping (persons, etc.) off; also as adj., serving to keep (foes) off. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > distance or farness > [noun] > putting or keeping at a distance > something that keeps another thing off keep-off?1611 fender1615 ?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads vii. 121 He fought not with a keep-off spear, or with a far-shot bow. ?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xiv. 759 A lance..To be his keep-off both 'gainst men and dogs. keep-out adj. designating a sign that prohibits entry. ΚΠ 1971 J. McClure Steam Pig v. 75 A deserted area surrounded by Keep Out signs. 1974 Times 9 May 6/5 To protect your garden a ‘keep out’ sign is not enough. You also need a tall fence. Draft additions December 2005 transitive. Originally and chiefly U.S. to keep it real. a. colloquial. To do things in an authentic or traditional manner; (esp. in African-American usage) to behave unaffectedly, to remain connected to one's origins, culture, or beliefs (frequently in imperative). ΚΠ 1975 J. Lee & G. Brown Mango Sunrise (record) (title of song) Keep it real. 1977 Washington Post 3 Mar. d9/2 Another reason the affair probably never will succumb to country chic is that promoter Don Liscomb keeps it real. The logs the contestants split and chop are not the butter-soft green poplars used in most such contests. 1994 Chron.-Telegram (Elyria, Ohio) 1 Dec. a8/3 ‘Gangsta’ rappers place ‘so much emphasis on keeping it real, and not selling out’. 1999 J. M. Favor Authentic Blackness i. 2 Hip-hop artists remind themselves and their audiences to ‘stay black’ or ‘keep it real’. 2001 S. O'Nan Everyday People 232 Later, dropping him off, Smooth called after him, ‘Keep it real, man.’ 2004 South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) (Nexis) 3 Sept. Against the tide of new mooncakes, there are traditionalists keeping it real. b. To make a dramatic representation or performance as realistic as possible. ΚΠ 1977 N.Y. Times 26 June d15/4 We're playing it straight. It's bigger than life, so we're trying to keep it real. Often, we'd cross the line out of humor into camp, and then we'd pull back. 1981 N.Y. Times Mag. 12 July 26/2 He can keep it real, as opposed to theatrical. 1984 Newsweek (Nexis) 23 Apr. 79 Keep it real: that's the Duvall esthetic, and by devoting himself to scrupulous, egoless authenticity he has become the most respected character actor of his generation. 2004 B. Lynn Improvisation for Actors & Writers xvi. 84 Martin Short's ‘Jiminy Glick’ is almost over the top, but the actor keeps it real... As a result, Jiminy is an utterly convincing character. Draft additions June 2014 you can't (also it's hard to) keep a good man down and variants: a good, hard-working, or determined person will ultimately overcome any setbacks or adversity; also used ironically. ΚΠ 1881 People (Indianapolis) 23 Apr. 6/2 We got out a splendid paper, however, and sold every one, and Reed did the same, which all goes to prove that ‘it's hard to keep a good man down’. 1958 Sun (Baltimore) 5 July 12/2 You can't keep a good man down... Excoriated by the McClellan committee, his big teamsters union booted out by the AFL-CIO for scandalous misconduct, Mr. Hoffa keeps pushing ahead without any discernible pause. 1987 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 12 Oct. 28 Former Arts, Heritage and Environment Minister, Barry Cohen, may have been shunted from the centre stage of Canberra politics but he is living proof that you can't keep a good man down. 1996 F. Popcorn & L. Marigold Clicking iii. 428 As they say, it's not over till it's over. You can't keep a good person down. 2002 J. E. Smith In St. Patrick's Custody 78 Everybody was afraid he would just fade away into oblivion. They should have guessed he would still be pretty active at the church. You know what they say, it's hard to keep a good man down. Draft additions June 2021 to keep on keeping on and variants: to continue in a course of action, esp. against adversity, in the hope of eventual success; to persevere doggedly in the face of hardship or frustration. Π 1838 Amer. & Commerc. Daily Advertiser (Baltimore) 15 Sept. 2/1 She [sc. a steamboat] had a rough time of it, but ‘kept a keeping on,’ and got through it [sc. a storm] safe and snug. 1874 Every Sat. 27 June 717/2 Out of sixty publishers to whom they offered their works, not one would take anything... It is well they had courage enough, in spite of disappointments, to ‘keep on keeping on’ at their endeavours. 1946 H. C. Carlisle in Congress. Rec.: App. 92 ii. A3360/3 Keep on keeping on until all hope is gone... Keep on keeping on with your face to the dawn—No night can continue forever. 2017 Herald (Glasgow) (Nexis) 24 Aug. 19 It's a story about endurance... It's about how even though life can set you back quite a lot sometimes, you've got to keep on keeping on. Draft additions December 2022 keep cup n. (a proprietary name for) a reusable cup, esp. an insulated one with a lid that is used instead of a disposable cup when purchasing a hot drink from a shop for consumption off the premises.The term is not common in North American use.Quot. 2009¹ is from a record of a trademark registration, describing an application made in September 2008 for the stylized words keep cup to be registered in the class of cups and mugs. Π 2009 Austral. Official Jrnl. Trade Marks 22 Jan. 1446/2 in http://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au (accessed 17 Aug. 2022) Keep cup.] 2009 Age (Melbourne) 9 May (A2 Culture section) 6/4 Designed for takeaway trade, the Keep Cup fits under the heads of commercial coffee machines and holds as much as disposable, non-recyclable takeaway cups. 2017 B. Jiwa Hunch 118 In 2015, KeepCups went on sale in selected McDonald's restaurants and the major coffee chain Hudsons. 2022 @MerseymadeUK 25 Mar. in twitter.com (accessed 27 June 2022) Did you know we offer 10% off your takeaway drinks if you bring a keep cup? This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1901; most recently modified version published online December 2022). < n.a1325v.c1000
随便看	indilatory indileucin indiligence indiligent indiligently indim indimensible indimensional indiminishable indin inhospitalities inhospitality inhospitally inhour inhouse inhousehold inhuman inhumane inhumanely inhumanism inhumanitarian inhumanities inhumanity inhumanize inhumanlike

keepn.

Compounds

keepv.

Phrasal verbs

Compounds

Draft additions December 2005

Draft additions June 2014

Draft additions June 2021

Draft additions December 2022