† reˈservance Obs. rare.
[f. reserve v. + -ance: cf. OF. reservance, It. riserbanza.]
1. Reservation. rare—1.
| 1550 in Burnet Hist. Ref., Rec. ii. i. l. (Pocock) V. 302 We are pleased, that the reservance of our rights and titles, mentioned in our former articles sent to our said commissioners, be in general words. |
2. Capacity of retaining. rare—1.
| 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 131 The eares implying attention,..the hooked bill, reservance and tenacity. |
3. Reserve. (Also in comb.)
| 1631 R. Brathwait Whimzies, Questman 125 Her foote most gingerly paced, for more state-reservance. 1635 ― Arc. Pr. Opinion etc., He demeaned himselfe with such cautious reservance and judicious prudence, as [etc.]. |