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.
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.
