PRESERVE, prezerv'. Low L. proeservo proe and servo, to keep.
1. To keep or save from injury or destruction to defend from evil.
God did send me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45
O Lord, preserve me from the violent man. Psalms 140 .
2. To uphold to sustain.
O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. Psalms 36
3. To save from decay to keep in a sound state as, to preserve fruit in winter. Salt is used to preserve meat.
4. To season with sugar or other substances for preservation as, to preserve plums, quinces or other fruit.
5. To keep or defend from corruption as, to preserve youth from vice.
PRESERVE, n. preserv'. Fruit or a vegetable seasoned and kept in sugar or sirup.