Serve

To serve a process
(Law) in general, to read it, so as to give due notice to the party concerned, or to leave an attested copy with him or his attorney, or his usual place of abode.

To serve a warrant
to read it, and seize the person against whom it is issued.

To serve a writ
(Law) to read it to the defendant, or to leave an attested copy at his usual place of abode.

To serve one out
to retaliate upon; to requite.

To serve one right
to treat, or cause to befall one, according to his deserts; - used commonly of ill deserts; as, it serves the scoundrel right. - C. Kingsley.

To serve one's self of
to avail one's self of; to make use of.

I will serve myself of this concession.

- Chillingworth.

They think herein we serve the time, because thereby we either hold or seek preferment.

- Hooker.

v. i.

To be a servant or a slave; to be employed in labor or other business for another; to be in subjection or bondage; to render menial service.

The Lord shall give thee rest . . . from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.

- Isa. xiv. 3.

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.

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.

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.

(Tennis) To lead off in delivering the ball.

Noun	1.	serve - (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play; "his powerful serves won the game" Synonyms: service
Verb	1.	serve - serve a purpose, role, or function; "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk" Synonyms: function
	2.	serve - do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; "He served as head of the department for three years"; "She served in Congress for two terms"
	3.	serve - contribute or conduce to; "The scandal served to increase his popularity"
	4.	serve - be used by; as of a utility; "The sewage plant served the neighboring communities"; "The garage served to shelter his horses" Synonyms: service
	5.	serve - help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself" Synonyms: help
	6.	serve - provide (usually but not necessarily food); "We serve meals for the homeless"; "She dished out the soup at 8 P.M."; "The entertainers served up a lively show" Synonyms: dish, dish up, serve up, dish out
	7.	serve - devote (part of) one's life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas; "She served the art of music"; "He served the church"; "serve the country"
	8.	serve - promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to; "Art serves commerce"; "Their interests are served"; "The lake serves recreation"; "The President's wisdom has served the counrty well" Synonyms: serve well
	9.	serve - spend time in prison or in a labor camp; "He did six years for embezzlement" Synonyms: do
	10.	serve - work for or be a servant to; "May I serve you?"; "She attends the old lady in the wheelchair"; "Can you wait on our table, please?"; "Is a salesperson assisting you?"; "The minister served the King for many years" Synonyms: wait on, attend to, assist, attend
	11.	serve - deliver a warrant or summons to someone; "He was processed by the sheriff" Synonyms: swear out, process
	12.	serve - be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity; "A few words would answer"; "This car suits my purpose well"; "Will $100 do?"; "A 'B' grade doesn't suffice to get me into medical school"; "Nothing else will serve" Synonyms: suffice, answer, do
	13.	serve - do military service; "She served in Vietnam"; "My sons never served, because they are short-sighted"
	14.	serve - mate with; "male animals serve the females for breeding purposes" Synonyms: service
	15.	serve - put the ball into play; "It was Agassi's turn to serve"

(networking)

serve - To be a server, to provide a service.

E.g., "The shttpd serves requested documents to clients over a secure link."

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