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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PRESERVE, v., n. Also presa(i)rve; preser'. Cf. Ser. Sc. forms and usages: I. v. As in Eng. Commonly used in such ejaculatory phrs. as (Guid) preserve us!, preser' us a', as an expression of surprise or dismay.Kcd. 1796 J. Burness Thrummy Cap (1819) 38:
Preserve's! quo' John, we'll baith be smoor'd.Sc. 1822 R. M'Chronicle Legends Scot. I. 36:
Gude preser' us a', she gat in sic an unke like passion!m.Lth. 1894 P. H. Hunter J. Inwick v.:
Preserve us! Jims an elder!Mry. 1897 J. Mackinnon Braefoot Sk. 56:
God preserve a' mortal!Kcb. 1899 Crockett Kit Kennedy iii.:
Preserve us a' — we mauna raise a finger against the brat.Arg. 1917 A. W. Blue Quay Head Tryst 180:
“Preserve's!” exclaimed Dunky, as a little chubby face . . . came fully to the light.Abd. 1928 J. Baxter A' Ae 'Oo' 23:
“Preser's fae siccan stite!” she cried, “It fairly cowes the cuddy!”

II. n. In pl.: “spectacles which magnify little or nothing, used for preserving the sight” (Sc. 1808 Jam.; I. and n.Sc., Ags., Edb., Kcb. 1966).Sc. 1887 Encycl. Britannica XXII. 372:
Preserves are used to conceal deformities or to protect the eyes in the many conditions where they cannot tolerate bright light.