servile

Etymology

From Middle English servyle, from Old French servil, servile, from Latin servīlis, from servus (“slave”).

adj

1. Of or pertaining to a slave.
2. Slavish or submissive.
   servile flattery    servile obedience
3. (grammar) Not belonging to the original root.
   a servile letter
4. (grammar) Not sounded, but serving to lengthen the preceding vowel, like the e in tune.

noun

1. (grammar) An element which forms no part of the original root.
2. A slave; a menial.