life preserver

noun

1. a buoyant jacket, belt, or other like device for keeping a person afloat.
2. British Slang. a weapon, especially a short stick with a weighted head; blackjack.

life preserver

noun

1. a club or bludgeon, esp one kept for self-defence
2. a life belt or life jacket

Word History and Origins

Origin of life preserver¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

But every once in awhile someone sends a life preserver with the words, “I agree.”

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Pickwick—deepest obligations—life preserver—made a man of me—you shall never repent it, sir.

From Project Gutenberg

"Guess we'll have to get a life preserver for you," chuckled Big-foot.

From Project Gutenberg

Still undetected, I scrambled along an aisle between them and put myself away in a sort of life-preserver closet.

From Project Gutenberg

Mark Twain might be first to grab for the life-preserver, but he would also be first to hand it to a humanity in greater need.

From Project Gutenberg

Gee, if you had to make fifty-seven beds with a life preserver on, you'd know what it is to be tired!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• life jacket
• life vest