Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Conservatism \Con*serv"a*tism\, n. [For conservatism.]
   The disposition and tendency to preserve what is established;
   opposition to change; the habit of mind; or conduct, of a
   conservative.

Source : WordNet®

conservatism
     n : a political or theological orientation advocating the
         preservation of the best in society and opposing radical
         changes [syn: {conservativism}]