tea service

a set of chinaware for preparing and drinking hot beverages, especially tea.

a set of silver or other metalware for preparing and serving hot beverages, especially tea.

Also called tea set.

Origin of tea service

First recorded in 1855–60

We sat around the hearth, by which was placed the table with the tea-service and the hot cakes.

Bye-Ways |Robert Smythe Hichens
Maitland Tait asked, after the tea-service was before us, and I had poured his cup.

Amazing Grace |Kate Trimble Sharber
Aurelia had felt her request so audacious that she subsided easily; and modestly suggested a tea-service.

Love and Life |Charlotte M. Yonge
He rang and ordered a servant to make a fire and bring the tea-service.

Ancestors |Gertrude Atherton

Milly leaned forward, her round chin on her hand, and looked intently at the tea-service and at the proffered cup.

The Invader |Margaret L. Woods

tea service

the china or pottery articles used in serving tea, including a teapot, cups, saucers, etc