/ plaɪ; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb ( plies , ply·ing , plied , plied )
1.
( literary ) ( of ships, buses, etc. ) to travel regularly along a particular route or between two particular places :
[ v + adv. / prep. ]
Ferries ply across a narrow strait to the island.
[ vn ]
canals plied by gondolas and steam boats
2.
[ vn ] ( formal ) to use a tool, especially in a skilful way :
The tailor delicately plied his needle.
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IDIOMS
- ply your trade
- ply for hire / trade / business
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PHRASAL VERBS
- ply sb with sth
■ noun
[ U ] (especially in compounds) a measurement of wool, rope, wood, etc. that tells you how thick it is :
four-ply knitting yarn
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WORD ORIGIN
noun late Middle English (in the sense fold ): from French pli fold, from the verb plier , from Latin plicare to fold.
verb late Middle English : shortening of apply .