Definition of "housekeeping"

housekeeping

noun
countable and uncountable, plural housekeepings
1. The chores of maintaining a house as a residence, especially cleaning.
  Quotations
  Those who with us would have their own little housekeepings and cooking, have not the means, nor perhaps the taste, for such domestic comfort, and take their victuals at the trattoria, or cook-shop.
  1842, Samuel Laing, Notes of a traveller, page 474
2. Any general tasks that involve preparation.
3. Hospitality; a liberal and hospitable table; a supply of provisions.
  Quotations
  "Care not thou about that," said Joliffe; "but tell me, softly and hastily, what is in the pantry?""Small housekeeping enough," said Phoebe; "a cold capon and some comfits, and the great standing venison pasty, with plenty of spice — a manchet or two besides, and that is all."
  1826, [Walter Scott], Woodstock; Or, The Cavalier. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to III), Edinburgh: […] [James Ballantyne and Co.] for Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green