reserve

reserve [ri zʉrv′]

vt.

reserved, reserving [ME reserven < OFr reserver < L reservare < re-, back + servare: see OBSERVE]

1. to keep back, store up, or set apart for later use or for some special purpose

2. to hold over to a later time

3. to set aside or have set aside for a special person, etc. [to reserve a theater seat]

4. to keep back or retain for oneself [to reserve the right to refuse]

n.

1. something kept back or stored up, as for later use or for a special purpose

2. a limitation or reservation: now rare except in without reserve (see phrase below)

3. the practice of keeping one's thoughts, feelings, etc. to oneself; self-restraint or aloofness in speech and manner

4. reticence; silence

5. restraint and control in artistic expression; freedom from exaggeration or extravagance

6. [pl.]

a) available participants kept out of action for use in an emergency or for replacing active groups or units, as in sports or warfare

b) personnel or units in the armed forces not on active duty but subject to call; militia: with the

7. cash, or assets readily turned into cash, held out of use by a bank, insurance company, or business to meet expected or unexpected demands: see also LEGAL RESERVE

☆ 8. land set apart for a special purpose [a forest reserve]

adj.

being, or having the nature of, a reserve or reserves [a reserve supply]

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in reserve

reserved for later use or for some person

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without reserve

1. subject to no limitation

2. without any minimum or asking price: said of goods offered at auction