n.
Pronunciation: ' pl ī
Function: verb
Inflected Form: 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 ply ing 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 ply ing the skies>
intransitive verb
1 : to apply oneself steadily
2 : to go or travel regularly