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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Preservatio(u)n, n. Also: presserv-, preserw- and -atio(u)ne, -acioun, preserfwacion. [e.m.E. preservation (1472–3), F. préservation (13–14th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), med. L. preservation-.]

1. The action of keeping safe or preserving from harm (a person).Chiefly with objective, but also with subjective, genitive.(1) 1565 in Knox II 505.
For the preservation of our good subjects 1568 Hosack Mary Q. of Scots I 546. a1578 Pitsc. I 107/12.
Alexander … was slaine … for the defence and preservatioun of our ȝoung King Dawid the Secund 1578 Anal. Scot. I 293.
It becummis us … to be careful of his hienes presservatioun 1600 Crim. Trials II 255. 1600 Misc. Bann. C. I 147. 1602 Glasgow Merchants House 16.
Quha must pray to God for me my preservacioun during my lyftym 1608 Nat. Lib. MS. State 47, Sec. 91.
Prayeris to God for the preseruatioun of your maiestie 1650 Misc. Maitl. C. II 468.
Preservatione(2) a1578 Pitsc. I 245/17.
God haue him in his preserwatioun and keipin

2. The action of keeping (a thing) safe or the fact of its being kept safe; keeping from perishing; maintaining in existence. 1547 Corr. M. Lorraine 207.
To jug my meneng ever to be the preserfwacion of this owr common weill 1572 Grant Chart. 151.
For continwall preseruatioun, … off luiff … and kyndnes, betuix the saidis parteis 1612 Breadalbane Doc. No. 408.
For the better preservatioun and hayning of the foirsaidis forrestis 1663 Dumbarton B. Rec. 83.
For the preservatioune of certaine houses 1672 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 8 June.
Whilks twa discharges ar to be put in the tounes kist for preservatioune 1676 Edinb. B. Rec. X 268.
For preservatation [sic in pr.] of there wester lights

3. ? Erron. — 1610 Dysart Gleanings 56.
Quhan as I my schip and companie was in great perill and danger of preservatione by the stormie seyis

4. A prophylactic medecine. = Preserve n. a, Preservative n. 1568 Skene Descr. Pest title.
Ane breve descriptiovn of the pest quhair in the … signis and sum speciall preseruatioun and cure