doorkeeper

[dawr-kee-per, dohr-]

noun

1. a person who guards the entrance of a building.

2. British.,  a janitor; hall porter.

3. Roman Catholic Church.,  ostiary.

doorkeeper

/ ˈdɔːˌkiːpə /

noun

1. a person attending or guarding a door or gateway

2. RC Church (formerly) the lowest grade of holy orders

Word History and Origins

Origin of doorkeeper¹

First recorded in 1525–35; door + keeper

Example Sentences

MPs have a time limit to vote during a division and doorkeepers are instructed to lock the doors to the voting lobby once this elapses.

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Some doorkeepers acquiesce rather than fight, though that could put them at odds with patrons who are allergic to animals or who simply don’t want them around where they live, eat or shop.

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At the door to the room stands one of the Commons doorkeepers, wearing a long coat with tails and a white bow tie.

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However, the report said a Parliamentary doorkeeper had witnessed the incident.

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When Lord Young started to respond Lady Bloomfield replied: "I had to send a note to you in order to wake you up by the doorkeeper."

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Related Words

• attendant 
• custodian 
• sitter 
• superintendent