The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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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