Sirvente, n.

(seer-vŏngt'), n. [Fr. sirvente, O. Fr. serventois, It. serventese, Pr. sirventes, sirventesc, sirventesca, from servir, sirvir, Lat. servire, to serve; properly a poem of service, first in the service of the saints and the Virgin Mary, and afterward also in that of princes and the ladies, expressing praise or censure.] A peculiar species of poetry, usually satirical, often used by the troubadours of the middle ages. Brande.