save-all

[ seyv-awl ]

noun

1. a means, contrivance, or receptacle for preventing loss or waste.
2. Older Use. overalls ( def 3 ).
3. Nautical.
   1. a net secured between a pier and a ship, beneath cargo being transferred from one to the other.
   2. a sail for utilizing wind spilled from the regular sails of a vessel: used in very light winds.

save-all

noun

1. a device to prevent waste or loss
2. nautical
   1. a net used while loading a ship
   2. a light sail set to catch wind spilling from another sail
3. dialect.
   overalls or a pinafore
4. a dialect word for miser 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of save-all¹

First recorded in 1635–45; noun use of verb phrase save all

Example Sentences

Under every lamp stands a sort of “save-all,” consisting of a small skin basket for catching the oil that falls over.

From Project Gutenberg

For this reason the trough into which it falls from the revolving "wire" is called the "save-all."

From Project Gutenberg

Into this save-all water may be admitted to regulate the consistency of the stuff.

From Project Gutenberg

The business of the dairy, like the feeding of hogs and poultry, is originally carried on as a save-all.

From Project Gutenberg

Another curious illuminating appurtenance was called a save-all or candle-wedge.

From Project Gutenberg