¦ 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 server 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.
(serve 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
serve someone right be someone's deserved punishment or misfortune.
serve one's (or its) turn be useful or helpful.
Origin
ME: from OFr. servir, from L. servire, from servus 'slave'.