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.
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6. To perform the duties belonging to, or required in or for; hence, to
be of use to; as, a curate may serve two churches; to serve one's
country.
7. To contribute or conduce to; to promote; to be sufficient for; to
satisfy; as, to serve one's turn.
Turn it into some advantage, by observing where it can serve
another end.
Jer. Taylor.
8. To answer or be (in the place of something) to; as, a sofa serves
one for a seat and a couch.
9. To treat; to behave one's self to; to requite; to act toward; as, he
served me very ill.