Main Entry: ²keep

Function: noun

Date: 1579

1 a archaic : custody, charge b : maintenance
2 : one that keeps or protects: as a : fortress, castle; specifically : the strongest and securest part of a medieval castle b : one whose job is to keep or tend c : prison, jail
3 : the means or provisions by which one is kept <earned his keep>
4 : keeper 5

— for keeps 1 a : with the provision that one keep what one has won <played marbles for keeps> b : with deadly seriousness
2 : for an indefinitely long time : permanently
3 : with the result of ending the matter