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 verb1 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 verb1: to apply oneself steadily2: to go or travel regularly