Across the word "save" in the meaning of "except"

[Yuri Yurinov]

Hello everybody,

While reading Sir Author Conan Doyle's stories about Sherlock Holmes I often came across the word "save" in the meaning of "except". For example, "His eyes were sharp and piersing, save during those intervals of torpor to wich I have alluded..." And there are many such examples. It seems to me that Conan Doyle prefered using "save" to
"except". And how about the modern usage of these words in this meaning?

Yuri
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An interested teacher, interesting lessons, interested pupils - these are three sides of a triangle named 'teaching'.

[The French]

Hello, Yuri,

I'm not a teacher but I am sure about one think the use of the word 'save' in meaning of except is very formal and old-fashioned.

But Mr.Doyle is an old writer too.

Have a nice day.

The French.

[Milanya]

save -

–preposition 1. except; but: All the guests had left save one.

–conjunction 2. except; but (usually fol. by that): He would have gone, save that he had no means.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME; var. of safe

Synonyms:
1. See except .

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/save
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con·text - The part of a text or statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning.

[Yuri Yurinov]

Thank you The French and Milanya,

I am "saved" now.
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An interested teacher, interesting lessons, interested pupils - these are three sides of a triangle named 'teaching'.