[ad. G. sorbapfel (older LG. and Flem. sorbappel): see SORB1.] The fruit of the service-tree, or the tree itself.

1

1548.  [see SORB1 3].

2

1562.  Turner, Herbal, II. 143. The sorb appel is very pleasant to be eaten vntill it be rotten.

3

1578.  Lyte, Dodoens, VI. lii. 727. Sorbe Apples or Seruice beries, are much lyke to Medlers.

4

1611.  Cotgr., Corme, the Seruice, or Sorb-apple.

5

1666.  J. Davies, trans. Rochefort’s Caribby Isles, 35. It tastes like a Sorb-apple.

6

1725.  Fam. Dict., s.v. Service, There are also two sorts of Sorb-Apples.

7

1796.  H. Hunter, trans. St.-Pierre’s Stud. Nat. (1799), I. 243. The scarlet clusters of the sorb-apple.

8

1796.  C. Marshall, Gardening, xvii. (1813), 287. Service, (sweet) or sorb apple, is rarely cultivated for fruit.

9

  attrib.  1578.  Lyte, Dodoens, VI. lii. 727. The tree whervpon this fruite groweth is called … in Englishe, Sorbe Apple tree.

10

1611.  Cotgr., Cormier, the Seruice tree, Sorb-apple tree.

11