The Milton that Webby is most likely quoting is Sonnet XXII. In that poem is the line

The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd.

In that context, Milton is referring to a nautical term, possibly archaic, meaning 'to sail against the wind.'

O`ver*ply" (?), v. t.

To ply to excess; to exert with too much vigor; to overwork.

Milton.

 

© Webster 1913.

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