serve their turn

1) To answer a purpose or requirement.

1634 that the people of Thwongsgreave shall turne [into its right course] one springe of water which they have taken out of the Lordshipp of Meltham to serve their owns turnes. Used ironically by a man in possession of an offensive weapon: 1677 a very desperate person and often drunke ... he had something in his pockett that would serve their turns, Halifax.

places Halifax
dates 1677

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