Dictionary entry

Imply

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Im‐ply″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Implied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Implying.] [From the same source as employ. See Employ, Ply, and cf. Implicate, Apply.] 1. To infold or involve; to wrap up. “His head in curls implied.” Chapman.

2. To involve in substance or essence, or by fair inference, or by construction of law, when not include virtually; as, war implies fighting.

Where a malicious act is proved, a malicious intention is implied. Bp. Sherlock.

When a man employs a laborer to work for him,... the act of hiring implies an obligation and a promise that he shall pay him a reasonable reward for his services. Blackstone.

3. To refer, ascribe, or attribute.

Whence might this distaste arise?

If neither your perverse and peevish will.

To which I most imply it. J. Webster.

Syn. — To involve; include; comprise; import; mean; denote; signify; betoken. See Involve.