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ply with

 - 2 dictionary results

ply

1  [plahy] verb, plied, ply⋅ing.
Use ply with in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to work with or at diligently; employ busily; use: to ply the needle.
2. to carry on, practice, or pursue busily or steadily: to ply a trade.
3. to treat with or apply to (something) repeatedly (often fol. by with): to ply a fire with fresh fuel.
4. to assail persistently: to ply horses with a whip.
5. to supply with or offer something pressingly to: to ply a person with drink.
6. to address (someone) persistently or importunately, as with questions, solicitations, etc.; importune.
7. to pass over or along (a river, stream, etc.) steadily or on a regular basis: boats that ply the Mississippi.
–verb (used without object)
8. to run or travel regularly over a fixed course or between certain places, as a boat, bus, etc.
9. to perform one's work or office busily or steadily: to ply with the oars; to ply at a trade.
Origin:
1300–50; ME plien, aph. var. of aplien to apply

Related forms:
ply⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. follow, exercise.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

ply  (n.)
"layer," 1470, from M.Fr. pli "a fold" (13c.), from O.Fr. ploi (12c.), from stem of ployer (later pleier) "to bend, to fold," from L. plicare "to fold, lay" see ply (v.)). Now mainly in plywood (1907), which is called that because the layers are so arranged that the grain of one runs at right angles to that of the next.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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