One short ball or mis-hit, one passive second serve or ill-conceived drop shot, and Williams could devour it.

The ball served as knock on the door.

A ball of spongy material attached by a stiff wire to the lid served as a swab.

They are cooked in a sweet soup or savoury broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl.

Depape looked around, saw Thorin's nightcap, and decided the ball on the end would serve.

The ball is served overhand (hits the racket above the server's waist)

The ball served drops into the wrong court or on a line (center, serving crease, side or boundary)

Of course the balls, dinner parties and the food served are vital to the novel, but must they be magnified out of proportion?

The balls serve to reduce friction and wear in the gear, and reduce slop.

They are very popular for its distinctive look: small orange balls served in a white confectionary paper and are made to honor Teresa of Ávila.