from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ply \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.]
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As men may warm wax with handes plie. --Chaucer.
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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.
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And plies him with redoubled strokes --Dryden.
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He plies the duke at morning and at night. --Shak.
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3. To employ diligently; to use steadily.
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Go ply thy needle; meddle not. --Shak.
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4. To practice or perform with diligence; to work at.
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Their bloody task, unwearied, still they ply.
--Waller.
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