GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found one definition
-
Ply (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Plied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Plying (?).] [OE. plien, F. plier to fold, to bend, fr. L. plicare; akin to Gr. , G. flechten. Cf. Apply, Complex, Display, Duplicity, Employ, Exploit, Implicate, Plait, Pliant, Flax.]
1. To bend. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
As men may warm wax with handes plie. Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
2. To lay on closely, or in folds; to work upon steadily, or with repeated acts; to press upon; to urge importunately; as, “to ply one with questions, with solicitations, or with drink”.
[1913 Webster]
And plies him with redoubled strokes Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
He plies the duke at morning and at night. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
3. To employ diligently; to use steadily.
[1913 Webster]
Go ply thy needle; meddle not. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4. To practice or perform with diligence; to work at.
[1913 Webster]
Their bloody task, unwearied, still they ply. Waller.
[1913 Webster]