n.
- the action or process of serving.
▸an act of assistance.
▸a period of employment with a company or organization:
he retired after 40 years' service.
▸
(often in phrs in or out of service)
use for a particular purpose.
▸
(often in phr. in service)
employment as a servant.
- a system supplying a public need such as transport, or utilities such as electricity and water.
▸a public department or organization run by the state:
the probation service.
▸
(the services)
the armed forces.
▸
(services)
Brit. a motorway service area.
- a ceremony of religious worship according to a prescribed form.
- a set of matching crockery used for serving a particular meal.
- (in tennis, badminton, etc.) a serve.
- a periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine.
v.
- perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine).
▸provide a service or services for.
- pay interest on (a debt).
- (of a male animal) mate with (a female animal).
Phrase
- be at someone's service
be ready to assist someone whenever required. - be of service
be available to assist someone.
Etymology
OE, from OFr. servise or L. servitium ‘slavery’, from servus ‘slave’.