Preserve \Pre*serve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Preserved}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Preserving}.] [F. pr['e]server, 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 \Pre*serve"\, v. i.
   1. To make preserves. --Shak.
      
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   2. To protect game for purposes of sport.
      
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Preserve \Pre*serve"\, 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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