Conserve, v. t. [imp. & p.p. Conserved; p.pr. & vb.n. Conserving.]
Etymology: [F. conserver, L. conservare; con- + servare to keep, guard. See Serve.]
1. To keep in a safe or sound state; to save; to preserve; to protect. The amity which . . . they meant to conserve and maintain with the emperor. Strype.
2. To prepare with sugar, etc., for the purpose of preservation, as fruits, etc.; to make a conserve of.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Conserve, n.
1. Anything which is conserved; especially, a sweetmeat prepared with sugar; a confection. I shall . . . study broths, plasters, and conserves, till from a fine lady I become a notable woman. Tatler.
2. (Med.)
A medicinal confection made of freshly gathered vegetable substances mixed with finely powdered refined sugar. See Confection.
3. A conservatory. [Obs.] Evelyn.