15. (Naut.) To wind spun yarn, or the like, tightly around (a rope or
cable, etc.) so as to protect it from chafing or from the weather. See
under Serving.
To serve an attachment or a writ of attachment (Law), to levy it on the
person or goods by seizure, or to seize. -- To serve an execution
(Law), to levy it on a lands, goods, or person, by seizure or taking
possession. -- To serve an office, to discharge a public duty. -- 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. "I'll serve you out for this." C. Kingsley. -- 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. -- To
serve one's self of, to avail one's self of; to make use of. [A
Gallicism]