Preservation \Pres`er*va"tion\, n. [Cf. F. pr['e]servation.]

The act or process of preserving, or keeping safe; the state of being preserved, or kept from injury, destruction, or decay; security; safety; as, preservation of life, fruit, game, etc.; a picture in good preservation.

Give us particulars of thy preservation. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)