— caretaking , n.
/kair"tay'keuhr/ , n.
1. a person who is in charge of the maintenance of a building, estate, etc.; superintendent.
2. a person or group that temporarily performs the duties of an office.
3. Brit. a janitor.
4. a person who takes care of another.
adj.
5. involving the temporary performance of the duties of an office: a caretaker government.
[ 1855-60; CARE + TAKER ]