■ noun
1》 the action or process of serving.
↘an act of assistance.
↘a period of employment with a company or organization: he retired after 40 years' ~.
↘(often in phrs in or out of ~ ) use for a particular purpose.
↘(often in phr. in ~ ) employment as a servant.
2》 a system supplying a public need such as transport, or utilities such as electricity and water.
↘a public department or organization run by the state: the probation ~.
↘( the ~s ) the armed forces.
↘( ~s ) Brit. a motorway ~ area.
3》 a ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form.
4》 a set of matching crockery used for serving a particular meal.
5》 (in tennis, badminton, etc.) a serve.
6》 a periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine.
■ verb
1》 perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine).
↘provide a ~ or ~s for.
2》 pay interest on (a debt).
3》 (of a male animal) mate with (a female animal).
Phrases
be at someone's ~ be ready to assist someone whenever required.
be of ~ be available to assist someone.
Origin
OE, from OFr. servise or L. servitium 'slavery', from servus 'slave'.