■ verb
1》 perform duties or services for.
↘be employed as a member of the armed forces.
↘spend (a period) in office, in an apprenticeship, or in prison.
2》 present food or drink to (someone).
↘(of food or drink) be enough for.
↘attend to (a customer in a shop).
↘ Christian Church act as a ~r at the celebration of the Eucharist.
3》 Law formally deliver (a summons or writ) to the person to whom it is addressed.
4》 be of use in achieving something or fulfilling a purpose.
↘treat in a specified way.
↘(of a male breeding animal) copulate with (a female).
5》 (in tennis and other racket sports) hit the ball or shuttlecock to begin play for each point of a game.
↘( ~ out ) Tennis win the final game of a set or match while serving.
6》 Nautical bind (a rope) with thin cord to protect or strengthen it.
7》 Military operate (a gun).
8》 archaic play (a trick) on.
■ noun
1》 an act of serving in tennis, badminton, etc.
2》 Austral. informal a reprimand.
Phrases
~ someone right be someone's de~d punishment or misfortune.
~ one's (or its ) turn be useful or helpful.
Origin
ME: from OFr. servir , from L. servire , from servus 'slave'.