1 definition found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Serve \Serve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Served}; p. pr & vb n.
{Serving}.] [OE. serven, servien, OF & F. servir, fr L.
servire; akin to servus a servant or slave, servare to
protect, preserve, observe; cf Zend har to protect, haurva
protecting. Cf {Conserve}, {Desert} merit, {Dessert},
{Observe}, {Serf}, {Sergeant}.]
1. To work for to labor in behalf of to exert one's self
continuously or statedly for the benefit of to do service
for to be in the employment of as an inferior, domestic,
serf, slave, hired assistant, official helper, etc.;
specifically, in a religious sense to obey and worship.
God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit.
--Rom. i. 9.
Jacob loved Rachel; and said I will serve thee
seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. --Gen.
xxix. 18.
No man can serve two masters. --Matt. vi
24.
Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served
my king, he would not in mine age Have left me naked
to mine enemies. --Shak.
2. To be subordinate to to act a secondary part under to
appear as the inferior of to minister to
Bodies bright and greater should not serve The less
not bright. --Milton.
3. To be suitor to to profess love to [Obs.]
To serve a lady in his beste wise. --Chaucer.
4. To wait upon to supply the wants of to attend;
specifically, to wait upon at table; to attend at meals;
to supply with food; as to serve customers in a shop.
Others pampered in their shameless pride, Are
served in plate and in their chariots ride.
--Dryden.
5. Hence to bring forward, arrange, deal or distribute, as
a portion of anything especially of food prepared for
eating; -- often with up formerly with in
Bid them cover the table, serve in the meat, and we
will come in to dinner. --Shak.
Some part he roasts, then serves it up so dressed.
--Dryde.
more about served
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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