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.