Preserve (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Preserved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Preserving.] [F. préserver, from L. prae before + servare to save, preserve; cf. L. praeservare to observe beforehand. See Serve.] 1. To keep or save from injury or destruction; to guard or defend from evil, harm, danger, etc.; to protect.
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O Lord, thou preserved man and beast. Ps. xxxvi. 6.
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Now, good angels preserve the king. Shak.
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2. To save from decay by the use of some preservative substance, as sugar, salt, etc.; to season and prepare for remaining in a good state, as fruits, meat, etc.; as, to preserve peaches or grapes.
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You can not preserve it from tainting. Shak.
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3. To maintain throughout; to keep intact; as, to preserve appearances; to preserve silence.
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To preserve game, to protect it from extermination.
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Syn. -- To keep; save; secure; uphold; sustain; defend; spare; protect; guard; shield. See Keep.
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Preserve, n. 1. That which is preserved; fruit, etc., seasoned and kept by suitable preparation; esp., fruit cooked with sugar; -- commonly in the plural.
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2. A place in which game, fish, etc., are preserved for purposes of sport, or for food.
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