v.
- retain for future use.
- arrange for (a seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for the use of a particular person.
- retain or hold (a right or entitlement).
- refrain from delivering (a judgement or decision) without due consideration or evidence.
n.
-
(often reserves)
a reserved supply of a commodity.
▸funds kept available by a bank, company, or government.
▸a part of a company's profits added to capital rather than paid as a dividend.
- a body of troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others, or additional to the regular forces and available in an emergency.
- an extra player in a team, serving as a possible substitute.
▸
(the reserves)
the second-choice team.
- a reservation for a native people.
- a protected area for wildlife.
- a lack of warmth or openness.
- qualification or doubt attached to a statement or claim.
- (in ceramics or textiles) an area in which the original material or background colour remains visible.
Derivative
- reservable adj.
- reserver n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. reserver, from L. reservare ‘keep back’.