Keepings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Maintaining possession or control over something
2. the act of safeguarding or preserving items of value
3. a collection or grouping of belongings that one looks after with care

Etymology: "Keepings" is the plural of "keeping," a noun built on the verb "keep" with the suffix "-ing," which turns a verb into a noun naming an action or its result. The plural form is most often heard in the phrase "in safe keepings," where the word refers to a thing or person held in trust, under someone's care and control, rather than to a single act of holding. The base verb "keep" comes from Old English "cēpan," meaning to observe, watch over, or take care of, a sense that is still visible in the idea of keeping a promise or keeping watch. Over time "keeping" came to name the state of holding or guarding something, which explains why the plural can be used for a collection of such possessions or responsibilities, as in "the keepings of the household."

Synonyms: possessions, holdings