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. [ 1913 Webster ]

O Lord, thou preserved man and beast. Ps. xxxvi. 6. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now, good angels preserve the king. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

You can not preserve it from tainting. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To maintain throughout; to keep intact; as, to preserve appearances; to preserve silence. [ 1913 Webster ]

To preserve game, to protect it from extermination. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To keep; save; secure; uphold; sustain; defend; spare; protect; guard; shield. See Keep. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To make preserves. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To protect game for purposes of sport. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. That which is preserved; fruit, etc., seasoned and kept by suitable preparation; esp., fruit cooked with sugar; -- commonly in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A place in which game, fish, etc., are preserved for purposes of sport, or for food. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, preserves, saves, or defends, from destruction, injury, or decay; esp., one who saves the life or character of another. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who makes preserves of fruit. [ 1913 Webster ]

Game preserver. See under Game. [ 1913 Webster ]