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Tending to reserve or keep; keeping; reserving.

which preserves, or has the power of preserving; a presevative agent. To wear tablets as preservatives against the plague. Bacon.

A preservative against contagious and infectious diseases, and the effects of poison in general. Brande & C.

An ornament, gem, or scroll, or a package containing a relic, etc., worn as a charm or preservative against evils or mischief, such as diseases and witchcraft, and generally inscribed with mystic forms or characters.

To impregnate with a preservative solution of copper sulphate, as timber, railroad ties, etc.

d lucky to be with a caul or membrane over the face. This caul is esteemed an infallible preservative against drowning . . . According to Chysostom, the midwives frequently sold it for magic uses. Grose. I was born with a caul, which was advertised for sale, in the newspapers, at the low price of fifteen guineas. Dicke…

Tending to conserve; preservative.

Having power to preserve in a safe of entire state, or from loss, waste, or injury; preservative.

An aqueous solution of formaldehyde, used as a preservative in museums and as a disinfectant.

To impregnate (wood) with a preservative solution of copper sulphate (often called Mar"ga*ry's flu"id [-riz]).

son, or a composition in form of an electuary, supposed to serve either as a remedy or a preservative against poison; an alexipharmic; -- so called from King Mithridates, its reputed inventor. [Love is] a drop of the true elixir; no mithridate so effectual against the infection of vice. Southey.

Any charm or amulet worn as a preservative from danger or disease.

Preservative. Bp. Hall.

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. You can not preserve it from tainting. Shak.

eventing, disease; the observance of the rules necessary for the preservation of health; preservative or preventive treatment.

A flattish cake or piece; as, tablets of arsenic were formerly worn as a preservative against the plague.

Of or pertaining to a talisman; having the properties of a talisman, or preservative against evils by occult influence; magical.

A sour liquid used as a condiment, or as a preservative, and obtained by the spontaneous (acetous) fermentation, or by the artificial oxidation, of wine, cider, beer, or the like.

; vigil; wakeful, vigilant, or constantly observant attention; close observation; guard; preservative or preventive vigilance; formerly, a watching or guarding by night. Shepherds keeping watch by night. Milton. All the long night their mournful watch they keep. Addison.