Noah Webster
Preserve
PRESERVE, verb transitive prezerv'. [Low Latin 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 45:5.
O Lord, preserve me from the violent man. Psalms 140:1.
2. To uphold; to sustain.
O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. Psalms 36:6.
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, noun preserv'. Fruit or a vegetable seasoned and kept in sugar or sirup.