n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a branch of trade or manufacture. b trade and manufacture collectively (incentives to industry). 2 concerted or copious activity (the building was a hive of industry). 3 a diligence. b colloq. the diligent study of a particular topic (the Shakespeare industry). 4 habitual employment in useful work.
[ ME, = skill, f. F industrie or L industria diligence ]