Serv"ile , n. (Gram.) An element which forms no part of the original root; -- opposed to radical.
Serv"ile (?), a. [L. servile, fr.
servus a servant or slave: cf. F.
servile. See Serve.]
1. Of or pertaining to a servant
or slave; befitting a servant or a
slave; proceeding from dependence; hence, meanly submissive; slavish; mean; cringing; fawning; as, servile flattery; servile fear; servile obedience.
She must bend
the servile knee.
Thomson.
Fearing dying pays death servile breath.
Shak.
2. Held in subjection; dependent; enslaved.
Even fortune rules no more, O servile land!
Pope. 3. (Gram.) (a)
Not belonging to the original root; as, a servile letter.
(b) Not itself sounded, but serving to lengthen the preceeding vowel, as e in tune.
Hear it pronounced