Part 258

Isa. xiv. 3.

2. To perform domestic offices; to be occupied with household affairs; to prepare and dish up food, etc.

But Martha . . . said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?

Luke x. 40.

3. To be in service; to do duty; to discharge the requirements of an office or employment. Specifically, to act in the public service, as a soldier, seaman. etc.

Many . . . who had before been great commanders, but now served as private gentlemen without pay.

Knolles.

4. To be of use; to answer a purpose; to suffice; to suit; to be convenient or favorable.

This little brand will serve to light your fire.

Dryden.

As occasion serves, this noble queen And prince shall follow with a fresh supply.

Shak.

5. (Tennis) To lead off in delivering the ball.

Serv"er (?), n. 1. One who serves.

2. A tray for dishes; a salver. Randolph.

Ser"vi*an (?), a. Of or pertaining to Servia, a kingdom of Southern Europe. -- n. A native or inhabitant of Servia.

{ Serv"ice (?), n., or Serv"ice (?) }. [Properly, the tree which bears serve, OE. serves, pl., service berries, AS. syrfe service tree; akin to L. sorbus.] (Bot.) A name given to several trees and shrubs of the genus Pyrus, as Pyrus domestica and P. torminalis of Europe, the various species of mountain ash or rowan tree, and the American shad bush (see Shad bush, under Shad). They have clusters of small, edible, applelike berries.

Service berry (Bot.), the fruit of any kind of service tree. In British America the name is especially applied to that of the several species or varieties of the shad bush (Amelanchier.)

Serv"ice, n. [OE. servise, OF. servise, service, F. service, from L. servitium. See Serve.] 1. The act of serving; the occupation of a servant; the performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command; attendance of an inferior, hired helper, slave, etc., on a superior, employer, master, or the like; also, spiritual obedience and love. "O God . . . whose service is perfect freedom." Bk. of Com. Prayer.

Madam, I entreat true peace of you, Which I will purchase with my duteous service.

Shak.

God requires no man's service upon hard and unreasonable terms.

Tillotson.

2. The deed of one who serves; labor performed for another; duty done or required; office.

I have served him from the hour of my nativity, . . . and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows.

Shak.

This poem was the last piece of service I did for my master, King Charles.

Dryden.