Ply (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Plied (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Plying (?).] [OE. plien, F. plier to fold, to bend, fr. L. plicare; akin to Gr. �, G. flechten. Cf. Apply, Complex, Display, Duplicity, Employ, Exploit, Implicate, Plait, Pliant, Flax.] 1. To bend.
As men may warm wax with handes plie. Chaucer.
2. To lay on closely, or in folds; to work upon steadily, or with repeated acts; to press upon; to urge importunately; as, to ply one with questions, with solicitations, or with drink.
And plies him with redoubled strokes Dryden.
He plies the duke at morning and at night. Shak.
3. To employ diligently; to use steadily.
Go ply thy needle; meddle not. Shak.
4. To practice or perform with diligence; to work at.
Their bloody task, unwearied, still they ply. Waller.