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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Conservatory

Con-sĕrv'a-to-ry, a.

adjective

(50), a. [L. Lat. conservatorius, Fr. conservatoire.] Having the quality of preserving from loss, decay, or injury.

Con-sêrv'a-to-ry, n.

noun

n. [L. Lat. conservatorium, It. conservatorio, Fr. conservatoire.]

  1. A place for preserving any thing from loss, decay, waste, or injury; a place for preserving from injury, or in the natural condition; especially, a greenhouse for exotic or tender plants. Evelyn.
  2. That which preserves from injury. “A conservatory of life.” Bacon.
  3. A public place of instruction, designed to preserve and perfect the knowledge of some branch of learning or the fine arts; as, a conservatory of music; a conservatory of arts and trades. [A Gallicism.]