1. n. (pl. -ies)
1. a thickness or layer of certain materials, esp. wood or cloth (three-ply).
2 a strand of yarn or rope etc.
Etymology: ME f. F pli f. plier, pleier f. L plicare fold 2. v. (-ies, -ied)
1. tr. use or wield vigorously (a tool, weapon, etc.).
2 tr. work steadily at (one's business or trade).
3 tr. (foll. by with) a supply (a person) continuously (with food, drink, etc.). b approach repeatedly (with questions, demands, etc.).
4 a intr. (often foll. by between) (of a vehicle etc.) travel regularly (to and fro between two points). b tr. work (a route) in this way.
5 intr. (of a taxi-driver, boatman, etc.) attend regularly for custom (ply for trade).
6 intr. sail to windward.
Etymology: ME plye, f. APPLY