Serv′ing.
（Nautical.) Filling the interspaces between the strands of a rope by winding a smaller cord around it, as shown at a, Fig. 4837, is termed worming. The rope is then parceled by winding around it old canvas well tarred, the edges overlapping, to prevent water from penetrating, and is finally served by wrapping closely with spun yarn, to prevent chafing, as shown at b. In this process the serving-mallet c, or, for small jobs, the serving-board d, is employed.
