key-mistress

key-mistress (plural key-mistresses)

1. Alternative form of keymistress.
   • 1876, Arthur Griffiths, “A Spanish Vagabond”, in Lola: A Tale of the Rock. […], volume I, London: Smith, Elder, & Co., […], page 196:

     I am Don Mariano’s hands and feet, ama de llaves, key-mistress and custodian of Don Mariano’s house, caretaker also of his pearl, the choice child of his heart, Dolorcita, the star of my life.

   • 1991 August 28, Peter Smark, “A question of which ex-reds under the bed?”, in The Age, 137th year, number 42,508, Melbourne, Vic., →ISSN, →OCLC, “Tempo” section, page 2, columns 3–4:

     Every Moscow and Leningrad hotel that houses foreign visitors has long been the parade ground for state-controlled prostitutes, plying their trade only for foreign currency, reporting to the KGB and sanctioned by the gimlet-eyed key-mistresses on each floor who are on constant watch against amateur competition.

   • 2003, Shannon Hale, chapter 22, in The Goose Girl, New York, N.Y.: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books, →ISBN, part 3 (Yellow Lady), page 373:

     Selia’s mother is the key-mistress of the palace, a woman with access. She might have found a way to steal my mother’s crest ring to make the seals.