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Webster 1913 Edition


Preservative

Pre-serv′a-tive

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
préservatif
.]
Having the power or quality of preserving; tending to preserve, or to keep from injury, decay, etc.

Pre-serv′a-tive

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

Webster 1828 Edition


Preservative

PRESERV'ATIVE

,
Adj.
Having the power or quality of keeping safe from injury, destruction or decay; tending to preserve.

PRESERV'ATIVE

,
Noun.
That which preserves or has the power of preserving; something that tends to secure a person or thing in a sound state, or prevent if from injury, destruction, decay or corruption; a preventive of injury or decay. Persons formerly wore tablets of arsenic, as preservatives against the plague. Clothing is a preservative against cold. Temperance and exercise are the best preservatives of health. Habitual reverence of the Supreme Being is an excellent preservative against sin and the influence of evil examples.