I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English keping, from gerund of kepen to keep — more at keep
1. : the act of one that keeps: as
a. : custody , guard , maintenance
left the small child in the woman's keeping
the keeping of the lighthouse
b. : the observance of a rule, obligation, or rite
c. : a reserving or preserving for future use
d. obsolete : the maintaining of a mistress
2.
a. : the means by which something is kept : keep , support , provision , feed
provided good keeping for the cattle
b. : the state of being kept or the condition in which something is kept
the house is in good keeping
3. : conformity , congruity , harmony , consistency — usually used in the phrases in keeping or out of keeping
behavior in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion
simplicity and restraint is in admirable keeping with the earnest purpose of the pioneers — American Guide Series: Minnesota
a doctrine so out of keeping with the facts of Japanese life — Kazuo Kawai
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English keping, from present participle of kepen to keep
: of or relating to something that remains unspoiled over a period of time
apples with good keeping quality