Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUB-SERV'I-ENT, a. [L. subserviens.]

1. Useful as an instrument to promote a purpose; serving to promote some end. Hammond had an incredible dexterity, scarcely ever reading any thing which he did not make subservient in one kind or other. – Fell.
2. Subordinate; acting as a subordinate instrument. These are the creatures of God, subordinate to him, and subservient to his will. These ranks of creatures are subservient one to another. – Ray.