serviette

[ sur-vee-et ]

/ ˌsɜr viˈɛt /

a table napkin.

Origin of serviette

1480–90; < Middle French, equivalent to servi(r) to serve + -ette -ette; for the formation, cf. oubliette

And then, when the meal finally did begin Mrs. Maldon's serviette and silver serviette-ring had vanished.

The Price of Love |Arnold Bennett
"I don't know as I do," he said, spreading a serviette on a corner of the table, and not looking at her.

The Rainbow |D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
Beth folded her serviette slowly while he was speaking, and, when he stopped, she rose from the table.

The Beth Book |Sarah Grand
Throwing his serviette on the disordered table, he pushed back his chair and stood up.

Leonora |Arnold Bennett

"We should really have invited the Señorita to join us," said Silvestre, as he spread his serviette over his knees.

The Kidnapped President |Guy Boothby

serviette

/ (ˌsɜːvɪˈɛt) /

mainly British a small square of cloth or paper used while eating to protect the clothes, wipe the mouth and hands, etc

C15: from Old French, from servir to serve; formed on the model of oubliette