To work for someone or provide a service, or in tennis, to hit the ball to start play.
From Old French servir and Latin servire meaning to be a slave or to work. Originally describing slavery or servitude, it evolved to mean providing any kind of service or helpful action.
The word 'serve' comes from Latin 'servire' (to be a slave), which is why 'servants' are people who serve—and it's striking that one of tennis's most athletic, powerful moves is still called a 'serve,' carrying that ancient meaning of giving service.
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