v. & n.
v.tr. 1 use the services of (a person) in return for payment; keep (a person) in one's service. 2 (often foll. by for, in, on) use (a thing, time, energy, etc.) esp. to good effect. 3 (often foll. by in) keep (a person) occupied.
n. the state of being employed, esp. for wages. in the employ of employed by. employable adj. employability n. employer n.
[ ME f. OF employer ult. f. L implicari be involved f. implicare enfold: see IMPLICATE ]