life preserver

The American Dictionary and Cyclopedia · 1910 · p. 20

One who or that which preserves, or is intended to preserve, life; spec if., (1) a contrivance to enable a person to float in water in case of accident; a cork-jacket or inflatable belt or waistcoat are ordinary devices for this purpose; (2) a loaded stick or cane with a leaden head, used as a protection against a ailants.