E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Serve.
I’ll serve him out—give a quid pro quo. This is the French server, to do an ill turn to one.
1
To serve a rope. To roll something upon it to prevent it from being fretted. The “service” or material employed is spun yarn, small lines, sennit, ropes, old leather, or canvas.
