n. An apparatus, made in very various forms, and of various materials, for saving one from drowning by buoying up the body while in the water. -- Life"-pre*serv`ing, a. [1913 Webster]
n. 1. One who, or that which, preserves, saves, or defends, from destruction, injury, or decay; esp., one who saves the life or character of another. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. One who makes preserves of fruit. [ 1913 Webster ]