north. dial. [f. KEEK v. + -ER1.] A peeper, a gazer; in pl. the eyes, ‘peepers’; spec. an overlooker or inspector in a coal-pit, who sees that the coal is sent up in a proper state.
1808–18. Jamieson, Keekers, a cant term for eyes. Ibid., Starn-keeker, a star-gazer.
1863. in Tyneside Songs, 92. Tell wor keeker aw deed … Tell wor owners an viewers aw’l howk ne mair coal.
1893. Durham Direct., 90. Bennett, J., keeker.
