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lockkeeper

lockkeeper

1 8.0
A person who operates and looks after a lock on a canal or river
  • noun
  • /ˈlɑkˌkipər/
: guardacostas
  • As a lockkeeper, she often worked early mornings and late evenings during the busy season.

Examples

  • The lockkeeper opened the gates to let the narrowboat pass through.

  • The young boy watched as the lockkeeper expertly operated the heavy machinery.

  • The lockkeeper opened the gates for the boats.

  • Many lockkeepers work along the river.

  • The lockkeeper helped us pass through the canal by operating the lock gates.

  • As we traveled along the river, we saw the lockkeeper monitoring the water levels carefully.

  • The lockkeeper explained how the lock system worked to the group of tourists.

Synonyms

lockmaster
vslockkeeper
  • US
1 8.2

A person who operates a lock on a canal to let boats pass

focuses on routine operation and care rather than supervision
locksman
vslockkeeper
  • UK
1 9.6

A person who opens and closes canal gates to move boats between water levels

is about one lock rather than responsibility for many
lockman
vslockkeeper
  • UK
9.9

A person who operates and cares for a canal lock

is the neutral, non-gendered term for the same job

How Responsible

lockmaster
  • US
1 8.2
lockkeeper
1 8.0
lockman
  • UK
9.9

Surface Forms

lockkeeper singular
lockkeepers plural

Morphology

lockkeeper = lock + keeper (transparent) = lock + keeper

Direct, regular compound: a person who keeps/operates a lock; meaning follows straightforwardly from its parts.

Etymology

Lockkeeper comes from lock, a gate on a canal that raises or lowers boats, and keeper, which means 'one who looks after'. So a lockkeeper opens, closes and cares for the canal lock, just like a zookeeper looks after animals.