outkeeper

English

Noun

outkeeper (plural outkeepers)

1. An attachment to a surveyor's compass for keeping tally in chaining.
   • 2000, John Barry Love, The Colonial Surveyor in Pennsylvania, page 35:

     The surveyor kept a record of the number of “outs” sometimes using a counting device called an outkeeper, which was placed on the face of the instrument .

   • 2001, Silvio A. Bedini, With Compass and Chain, page 374:

     This particular instrument is unusual because of the additional dial, and the fact that the outkeeper appears at the east point instead of at the south end of the dial plate.

   • 2020, Matthew H. Edney, Mary Sponberg Pedley, The History of Cartography, page 678:

     Some Irish and American instruments were equipped with an “outkeeper,” a dial that helped the surveyor keep track of the number of times (“outs”) a chain had been run.

   • 2022, Walt H. Sirene, American Backcountry Tall Clock, page 258:

     Goldsmith Chandlee placed an outkeeper on his compasses like none other. The outkeeper that Goldsmith Chandlee invented and developed had no equal.

2. One who is responsible for maintaining a remote area.
   • 1910, Horatio Alger (Jr.), Harry Vane: Or, In a New World - Volume 1910, page 70:

     This was a single dwelling, the home of one of the outkeepers.

   • 2010, Inns - Volume 14, page 24:

     My husband David is the 'outkeeper' dealing with all the grounds, gardens, shopping and housekeeping and building related issues," says Shirley.

   • 2018, R. T. W. Lipkin, Now Playing on Outworld 5730:

     When she got to the outkeeper's house, however, Trevelton wasn't there, even though she'd been certain he would be.