¦ verb
1. retain for future use.
2. arrange for (a seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for the use of a particular person.
3. retain or hold (a right or entitlement).
4. refrain from delivering (a judgement or decision) without due consideration or evidence.
¦ noun
1. (often reserves) a reserved supply of a commodity.
funds kept available by a bank, company, or government.
a part of a company's profits added to capital rather than paid as a dividend.
2. a body of troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others, or additional to the regular forces and available in an emergency.
3. an extra player in a team, serving as a possible substitute.
(the reserves) the second-choice team.
4. a reservation for a native people.
5. a protected area for wildlife.
6. a lack of warmth or openness.
7. qualification or doubt attached to a statement or claim.
8. (in ceramics or textiles) an area in which the original material or background colour remains visible.
Derivatives
reservable adjective
reserver noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. reserver, from L. reservare 'keep back'.