reservation

 
Pronunciation: /rɛzəˈveɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the action of reserving something: the reservation of positions for non-Americans
  • [count noun] an arrangement whereby something, especially a seat or room, is reserved for a particular person: do you have a reservation?
  • (in church use) the practice of retaining a portion of the consecrated elements after Mass for communion of the sick or as a focus for devotion.
  • 2an expression of doubt qualifying overall approval of a plan or statement: some generals voiced reservations about making air strikes
  • 3an area of land set aside for occupation by North American Indians or Australian Aborigines: the boy’s family live on an Indian reservation
  • 4 Law a right or interest retained in an estate being conveyed: the retention of a right to enter the demised property will be a reservation
  • 5 [mass noun] (in the Roman Catholic Church) the action of a superior of reserving to himself the power of absolution.
  • [count noun] a right reserved to the Pope of nomination to a vacant benefice.

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting the Pope's right of nomination to a benefice): from Old French, or from late Latin reservatio(n-), from reservare 'keep back' (see reserve)