2 entries under this word

Conservative

Con-sĕrv'a-tive, a.

adjective

a. [Fr. conservatif, Pr. conservatiu, It. conservativo.]

Sense 1. Having power to preserve in a safe or entire state, or from loss, waste, or injury; preservative.

Sense 2. Tending or disposed to maintain existing institutions.

Con-sĕrv'a-tive, n.

noun

n. 1. One who, or that which, preserves from ruin, innovation, injury, or radical change.

Sense 2. One who holds intermediate or moderate opinions in politics; one who desires to maintain existing institutions and customs; — opposed to revolutionary or radical.