The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Serving \Serv"ing\,
   a. & n. from Serve.
   [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]