GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Employ , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Employed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Employing.] [F. employer, fr. L. implicare to fold into, infold, involve, implicate, engage; in + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf. Imply, Implicate.]
   To inclose; to infold. [Obs.]
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   To use; to have in service; to cause to be engaged in doing something; -- often followed by in, about, on, or upon, and sometimes by to; as: (a) To make use of, as an instrument, a means, a material, etc., for a specific purpose; to apply; as, to employ the pen in writing, bricks in building, words and phrases in speaking; to employ the mind; to employ one's energies.
   1913 Webster
   This is a day in which the thoughts . . . ought to be employed on serious subjects.
   Addison.
   (b) To occupy; as, to employ time in study. (c) To have or keep at work; to give employment or occupation to; to intrust with some duty or behest; as, to employ a hundred workmen; to employ an envoy.
   1913 Webster
   Jonathan . . . and Jahaziah . . . were employed about this matter.
   Ezra x. 15.
   
   1913 Webster
   Thy vineyard must employ the sturdy steer
   To turn the glebe.
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   To employ one's self, to apply or devote one's time and attention; to busy one's self.
   Syn. -- To use; busy; apply; exercise; occupy; engross; engage. See Use.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Employ, n. [Cf. F. emploi.] That which engages or occupies a person; fixed or regular service or business; employment.
   1913 Webster
   The whole employ of body and of mind.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   In one's employ, in one's service.
   1913 Webster