One who keeps; one that holds or has possession of any thing.

One who retains in custody; one who has the care of a prison and the custody of prisoners.

One who has the care of a park or other inclosure, or the custody of beasts; as the keeper of a park, a pound, or of sheep.

One who has the care, custody or superintendence of any thing. In Great Britain, the keeper of the great seal, is a lord by his office, and one of the privy council. All royal grants, commissions and charters pass through his hands. He is constituted lord-keeper by the delivery of the great seal. The keeper of the privy seal is also a lord by his office, and a member of the privy council.