Conservative \Con*serv"a*tive\, a. [Cf. F. conservatif.]

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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Conservative \Con*serv"a*tive\, n.

1. One who, or that which, preserves from ruin, injury, innovation, or radical change; a preserver; a conserver.

The Holy Spirit is the great conservative of the new life. --Jer. Taylor.

2. One who desires to maintain existing institutions and customs; also, one who holds moderate opinions in politics; -- opposed to revolutionary or radical.

3. (Eng. Hist.) A member of the Conservative party.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)