Main Entry: ¹ply

Pronunciation: \ˈplī\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): plied; ply·ing

Etymology: Middle English plien, short for applien to apply

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to use or wield diligently <busily plying his pen> b : to practice or perform diligently <ply a trade>
2 : to keep furnishing or supplying something to <plied us with liquor>
3 a : to make a practice of rowing or sailing over or on <the boat plies the river> b : to go or travel regularly over, on, or through <jets plying the skies>intransitive verb 1 : to apply oneself steadily
2 : to go or travel regularly