adj., n., & prep.
adj. (often in comb.) making economical use of (labour-saving).
n. 1 anything that is saved. 2 an economy (a saving in expenses). 3 (usu. in pl.) money saved.
prep. 1 with the exception of; except (all saving that one). 2 without offence to (saving your presence). saving clause Law a clause containing a stipulation of exemption etc. saving grace 1 the redeeming grace of God. 2 a redeeming quality or characteristic. savings account a deposit account. savings bank a bank receiving small deposits at interest and returning the profits to the depositors. savings certificate Brit. an interest-bearing document issued by the Government for the benefit of savers.
[ ME f. SAVE(1): prep. prob. f. SAVE(2) after touching ]