Em*ploy" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Employed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Employing.] [F. employer, fr. L. implicare to fold into, infold, involve, implicate, engage; in + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf. Imply, Implicate.]
1.
To inclose; to infold.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
2.
To use; to have in service; to cause to be engaged in doing something; -- often followed by in, about, on, or upon, and sometimes by to; as: (a) To make use of, as an instrument, a means, a material, etc., for a specific purpose; to apply; as, to employ the pen in writing, bricks in building, words and phrases in speaking; to employ the mind; to employ one's energies.
This is a day in which the thoughts . . . ought to be employed on serious subjects.
Addison.
(b)
To occupy; as, to employ time in study
. (c)
To have or keep at work; to give employment or occupation to; to intrust with some duty or behest; as, to employ a hundred workmen; to employ an envoy
.
Jonathan . . . and Jahaziah . . . were employed about this matter.
Ezra x. 15.
Thy vineyard must employ the sturdy steer
To turn the glebe.
Dryden.
To employ one's self, to apply or devote one's time and attention; to busy one's self.
Syn. -- To use; busy; apply; exercise; occupy; engross; engage. See Use.
© Webster 1913.
Em*ploy", n. [Cf. F. emploi.]
That which engages or occupies a person; fixed or regular service or business; employment.
The whole employ of body and of mind.
Pope.
In one's employ, in one's service.
© Webster 1913.