n.
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Date: 1648
1 : something reserved or set aside for a particular purpose, use, or reason: as a (1) : a military force withheld from action for later decisive use ― usually used in plural (2) : forces not in the field but available (3) : the military forces of a country not part of the regular services also : RESERVIST b : a tract (as of public land) set apart : RESERVATION
2 : something stored or kept available for future use or need : STOCK
3 : an act of reserving : QUALIFICATION
4 a : restraint, closeness, or caution in one's words and actions b : forbearance from making a full explanation, complete disclosure, or free expression of one's mind
5 archaic : SECRET
6 a : money or its equivalent kept in hand or set apart usually to meet liabilities b : the liquid resources of a nation for meeting international payments
7 : SUBSTITUTE
8 : RESERVE PRICE
9 : a wine made from select grapes, bottled on the maker's premises, and aged differently from the maker's other wines of the same vintage
– in reserve : held back for future or special use