5. Duty performed in, or appropriate to, any office or charge; official
function; hence, specifically, military or naval duty; performance of
the duties of a soldier.
When he cometh to experience of service abroad . . . ne maketh a
worthy soldier.
Spenser.
6. Useful office; advantage conferred; that which promotes interest or
happiness; benefit; avail.
The stork's plea, when taken in a net, was the service she did in
picking up venomous creatures.
L'Estrange.
7. Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed. "Pray, do my
service to his majesty." Shak.
8. The act and manner of bringing food to the persons who eat it; order
of dishes at table; also, a set or number of vessels ordinarily used at
table; as, the service was tardy and awkward; a service of plate or
glass.
There was no extraordinary service seen on the board.
Hakewill.
9. (Law) The act of bringing to notice, either actually or
constructively, in such manner as is prescribed by law; as, the service
of a subpœna or an attachment.
10. (Naut.) The materials used for serving a rope, etc., as spun yarn,
small lines, etc.