DCHP-1 Online
Conservative 
1 n. Hist. in colonial times, a supporter of the British connection (def. 2) and of colonial constitutions; a member of the political party endorsing these views; Tory.
See also: British connection (def. 2)
- 1839 The Conservatives succeeding in choosing Francis Boyde, Esq. of George street, against Lieut. Steel, R.N., who was put in nomination by the Durhamites.
- 1853 He is a Conservative of the progressive school.
- 1963 . . . the only members to leave the council were two pronounced Conservatives, William Draper and Henry Sherwood. . . .
2 n. a member of the Conservative Party of Sir John A. Macdonald and succeeding leaders, a party nowadays known officially as the Progressive Conservative Party.
See also: Progressive Conservative
- 1889 Conservatives and Reformers are thoroughly disgusted with his actions, and are most anxious to show it at the polls.
- 1964 . . . the Conservatives showed signs of digging in for a long fight against the amendment. . . .
- 1839 The Conservatives succeeding in choosing Francis Boyde, Esq. of George street, against Lieut. Steel, R.N., who was put in nomination by the Durhamites.