(sûr′vis) noun
1. Assistance or benefit afforded another: to render a service; to be of service.
2. A useful result or product of labor which is not a tangible commodity: in the plural, often contrasted with goods.
3. The manner in which one is waited upon or served: The service in this restaurant is only fair.
4. A system of labor and material aids used to accomplish some regular work or accommodation for the public: telephone service, train service, postal service.
5. A division of public employment devoted to a particular function: the diplomatic service.
6. Employment as a public servant in government: to enter public service.
7. A public duty or function: jury service.
8. Any branch of the armed forces: to enter the service.
9. Military duty or assignment: to volunteer for foreign service.
10. Devotion to God, as demonstrated by obedience and good works.
11. A formal and public exercise of worship: to attend Sunday services.
12. A ritual prescribed for a particular ministration or observance: a burial service; a marriage service.
13. The music for a liturgical office or rite.
14. The state or position of a servant, especially a domestic servant.
15. A set of tableware for a specific purpose: a tea service.
16. Installation, maintenance, and repair of an article provided a buyer by a seller.
17. Law a The legal communication of a writ or process to a designated person. b Duty or work rendered by one person for another. c A duty rendered by a feudal tenant as recompense to his lord.
18. In tennis and similar games, the act or manner of serving a ball.
19. Naut. The protective cordage wrapped around a rope.
20. In animal husbandry, the copulation or covering of a female.
—adjective
1. Pertaining to or for service.
2. Used by, or for the use of, servants or tradespeople: a service entrance.
3. Of, pertaining to, or belonging to a military service: a service flag.
4. Worn during active military service: distinguished from dress: a service cap, hat, or uniform.
—v.t. ·viced, ·vic·ing
1. To maintain or repair: to service a car or radio.
2. To supply service to. [<OF servise <L servitium <servus a slave] Synonyms (noun): advantage, avail, benefit, good, purpose, serviceableness, use, utility. See PROFIT, SACRAMENT, UTILITY.

(sûr′vis), Robert William,
1874–1958, Canadian writer.