<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!DOCTYPE Zthes SYSTEM "http://zthes.z3950.org/xml/zthes-05.dtd">  <Zthes><term><termId>31422143</termId><termName>serving mallets</termName><termType>PT</termType><termNote><![CDATA[ Hand-held wooden tools, comprising a cylindrical head with a semi-circular groove cut along its length attached to a thin handle, designed to pass serving (typically spunyarn or twine) around a rope. To facilitate serving, a method of protecting rope ends from damage by wrapping them in yarn or twine, the rope is fitted into the tool's groove and the yarn/twine is wound tightly around its head and handle. As the tool is rotated around the rope, the serving material is fed in such a way that allows it to be kept taut thus ensuring maximum tightness. Resembling a mallet, this tool is most often used by ship crews to manage rope while sailing.  ]]></termNote><termCreatedDate>2026-03-30 20:45:00</termCreatedDate><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31422144</termId><termName>serving mallet</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>BT</relationType><termId>31353962</termId><termName>textile fabricating tools and equipment</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation></term>  </Zthes>