ply

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to keep supplying someone with something, especially food, drink, or questions

   The hosts plied their guests with food and wine throughout the evening.

2. 2
   verb

   to work steadily at a trade, task, or tool

   For forty years she plied her trade as a tailor in the same neighborhood.

3. 3
   verb

   to travel or operate regularly along a particular route

   Small ferries ply the channel between the island and the mainland.

4. 4
   noun

   one of the layers or strands from which a material, yarn, or rope is made

   The jacket uses a three-ply fabric for extra warmth.

From Middle English plien, through Anglo-Norman and Old French plier, 'to bend or fold,' from Latin plicare, 'to fold.' The noun senses preserve the idea of folded layers or twisted strands; the verb later developed senses of applying effort, repeatedly supplying something, and following a regular course.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
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