Servyng

Part of speech: noun, verb, adjective

Definitions

1. Working on behalf of another person, carrying out their orders or needs as a servant would ; a single measured amount of food or drink placed before one diner
2. Attending to the needs of a master or employer through labor and duty ; an individual helping or portion of a dish or beverage offered to someone
3. Acting in the capacity of a helper who obeys and assists another ; a quantity of prepared food or a glass of drink given out to a person

Etymology: "Servyng" is a Middle English spelling of "serving," the present participle or verbal noun of "serve." The spelling reflects medieval scribes' habit of writing "y" for "i" and the "-yng" ending for the Old English suffix "-ing." The verb itself came into English from Old French "servir," which came from Latin "servire," meaning "to be a slave" or "to serve," and that from "servus," "slave." So a word now used for bringing food to a table is rooted in the status of bondage.