subserve Meaning, Definition & Usage

Sub*serve" transitive verb

Etymology

L. subservire; sub under + servire to serve. See Serve.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Subserved ; present participle & verbal noun Subserving

Definitions

1. To serve in subordination or instrumentally; to be subservient to; to help forward; to promote.

   It is a great credit to know the ways of captivating Nature, and making her subserve our purposes, than to have learned all the intrigues of policy. Glanvill.

Sub*serve" intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To be subservient or subordinate; to serve in an inferior capacity.

   Not made to rule, But to subserve where wisdom bears command. Milton.