[re.serve] vt re.served ; re.serv.ing [ME, fr. MF reserver, fr. L reservare, lit., to keep back, fr. re- + servare to keep--more at conserve] (14c) 1 a: to hold in reserve: keep back "~ grain for seed" b: to set aside (part of the consecrated elements) at the Eucharist for future use c: to retain or hold over to a future time or place: defer "~ one's judgment on a plan" d: to make legal reservation of
2: to set or have set aside or apart "~ a hotel room" syn see keep -- re.serv.able adj
[2]reserve n, often attrib (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--usu. used in pl. (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 usu. 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 specially and often longer -- in reserve : held back for future or special use