service

service

service¹ [sʉr′vis]

n.

[ME servise < OFr < L servitium, servitude < servus, slave: see SERF]

1. the occupation or condition of a servant

2.

a) employment, esp. public employment [diplomatic service]

b) a branch or department of this, including its personnel; specif., the armed forces, as army, navy, or air force

3.

a) work done for a master or feudal lord

b) work done or duty performed for another or others [repair service, public service]

4. the serving of God, as through good works, prayer, etc.

5.

a) public worship

b) any religious ceremony [the marriage service]

c) [sometimes pl.] a similar, but nonreligious, ceremony, as for a burial or marriage [graveside services]

d) a musical setting for a religious service

6.

a) an act giving assistance or advantage to another

b) the result of this; benefit; advantage

c) [pl.] friendly help; also, professional aid or attention [the fee for his services]

7. the act or manner of serving food [a restaurant noted for its fine service]

8. a set of utensils or articles used in serving [silver tea service]

9. a system or method of providing people with the use of something, as electric power, water, transportation, mail delivery, etc.

10. installation, maintenance, repairs, etc., provided by a dealer or manufacturer to purchasers of equipment

11. the act or manner of serving the ball in tennis, etc., or one's turn to serve

12. Archaic devotion, as of a lover to his lady

13. Animal Husbandry the act of bringing a male animal to copulate with a female

14. Law notification of legal action, as by the serving of a writ

15. Naut. any material, as wire, used in serving (ropes, etc.)

adj.

1. of, for, or in service; specif.,

a) of or relating to the armed forces

b) providing repair, maintenance, supplies, etc.

c) providing services, rather than goods

2. of, for, or used by servants, tradespeople, etc. [a service entrance]

3.

a) for use during active service [a service uniform]

b) serviceable; durable [service weight stockings]

vt.

serviced, servicing

1. to furnish with a service

2. to copulate with (a female): said of a male animal

☆ 3. to make or keep fit for service, as by inspecting, adjusting, repairing, refueling, etc.

4. to make the periodic interest payments on (a debt)

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at someone's service

1. ready to serve or cooperate with someone

2. ready for someone's use

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in service

1. in use; functioning: said esp. of an appliance, vehicle, etc.

2. in the armed forces

3. working as a domestic servant

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of service

giving aid or assistance; helpful; useful

service² [sʉr′vis]

n.

SERVICE TREE