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ply

1. To bend. As men may warm wax with handes plie. (Chaucer)

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. And plies him with redoubled strokes (Dryden) He plies the duke at morning and at night. (Shak)

3. To employ diligently; to use steadily. Go ply thy needle; meddle not. (Shak)

4. To practice or perform with diligence; to work at. Their bloody task, unwearied, still they ply. (waller)

Origin: 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.