serve out

1. To serve something, especially food or drink, to those present. (In each usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "serve" and "out.") I volunteer in a soup kitchen on the weekends, serving out food to those who have fallen on hard times. Will you go out into the parlor and begin serving drinks out, Tom?

2. To issue, distribute, or allot something, especially that which is deserved but unwelcome or unpleasant. We need to convince Congress to send in troops to the region so we can serve out some justice against the monsters committing these atrocities. In all of his plays, he serves punishment out to his characters in particularly cruel and ironical ways.

3. To complete the required amount of time for some service, usually as in elected positions or jail sentences. The senator was unable to serve out his full term in office due to health complications. Because of good behavior, the inmate was allowed to serve out the rest of her prison sentence in minimum security.

4. In tennis, to win an entire set or match while remaining in the serving position. I always have trouble serving out my sets. I might have a great streak going, but I invariably seem to crack under the pressure and give up the serve.