Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Serving \Serv"ing\,
   a. & n. from {Serve}.

   {Serving board} (Naut.), a flat piece of wood used in serving
      ropes.

   {Serving maid}, a female servant; a maidservant.

   {Serving mallet} (Naut.), a wooden instrument shaped like a
      mallet, used in serving ropes.

   {Serving man}, a male servant, or attendant; a manservant.

   {Serving stuff} (Naut.), small lines for serving ropes.