\Sub*serve"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Subserved}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Subserving}.] [L. subservire; sub under + servire to
serve. See {Serve}.]
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"\, v. i.
To be subservient or subordinate; to serve in an inferior
capacity.
      Not made to rule, But to subserve where wisdom bears
      command.                                 --Milton.