Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRE-SERVE, v.t. [prezerv'; Fr. preserver; It. preservare; Sp. preservar; Low L. præservo; præ 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. – Gen. xlv. O Lord, preserve me from the violent man. – Ps. cxi.
2. To uphold; to sustain. O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. – Ps. xxxvi.
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.