Oh, I am far from being a "leftist." In fact, that is doubtless why I vote Republican--almost always.
That "one definition of conservatism," according to Dictionary.com, is "the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change."
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary gives a slightly expanded definition of the word: "a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change; specifically : such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (as retirement income or health-care coverage[.]"
Do you have a different definition of it?
Yes, The one the founders enshrined in 2 documents. Covers all the bases.