Con*serv"a*to*ry (?), a. [Cf. F. conservatoire, LL. conservatorius.]
Having the quality of preserving from loss, decay, or injury.
© Webster 1913.
Con*serv"a*to*ry, n. [Cf. F. conservatoire, LL. conservatorium.]
1.
That which preserves from injury.
[Obs.] "A
conservatory of life."
Jer. Taylor.
2.
A place for preserving anything from loss, decay, waste, or injury; particulary, a greenhouse for preserving exotic or tender plants.
3.
A public place of instruction, designed to preserve and perfect the knowledge of some branch of science or art, esp. music.
© Webster 1913.