Ply
WordNet
noun
(1) (usually in combinations) one of several layers of cloth or paper or wood as in plywood
(2) One of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
"Three-ply cord"
"Four-ply yarn"
verb
(3) Use diligently
"Ply your wits!"
(4) Provide what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
"The hostess provided lunch for all the guests"
(5) Wield vigorously
"Ply an axe"
(6) Join together as by twisting, weaving, or molding
"Ply fabric"
(7) Travel a route regularly
"Ships ply the waters near the coast"
(8) Apply oneself diligently
"Ply one's trade"
WiktionaryText
Etymology 1
From , from , from , from
Etymology 2
From , from , see Etymololgy 1.
Verb
Etymology 3
From , short for
Verb
- To work at diligently.
- He plied his trade as carpenter for forty-three years.
- To use vigorously.
- He plied his ax with bloody results.
- To travel over regularly.
- ply the seven seas
- To persist in offering.
- She plied him with liquor.
Noun
- In two-player sequential games, one turn taken by one of the players.
- He proposed to build 'Deep Purple' a super-computer capable of 24-ply look-ahead for chess.