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.
Phrases and idioms:
in the employ of employed by.
Derivatives:
employable adj. employability n. employer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF employer ult. f. L implicari be involved f. implicare enfold: see IMPLICATE