n. 1. The act of keeping up, or maintaining; maintenance of persons, organizations, or objects such as machinery, by providing a location, repairs, and consumable items when necessary. “Horse artillery . . . expensive in the upkeep.” Scribner's Mag. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]
Small outlays for repairs or upkeep of buildings. A. R. Colquhoun. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]