English word serve comes from Proto-Indo-European *ser-wo-, and later Latin servitium (Slavery, servitude. Slaves (collectively).)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *ser-wo- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| servus | Latin (lat) | (of lands, buildings) subject or liable to servitude. Slavish, servile A serf. A servant. A slave. |
| servitium | Latin (lat) | Slavery, servitude. Slaves (collectively). |
| servire | Latin (lat) | |
| servir | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | To serve (act as a servant or a vassal). |
| servir | Middle French (ca. 1400-1600) (frm) | To serve (act as a servant or a vassal). |
| serven | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | To serve (be loyal and/or submissive to). |
| serve | English (en) | (intransitive) To be a servant or worker; to perform the duties of a servant or employee; to render service. [from 14thc.]. (intransitive) To be in military service. [from 16thc.]. (intransitive) To have a given use or purpose; to function for something or to do something. [from 14thc.]. (intransitive) To usefully take the place as, instead of something else. [from 14thc.]. (nautical) To [...] |