1. ply - Noun
2. ply - Verb
To bend.
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.
To employ diligently; to use steadily.
To practice or perform with diligence; to work at.
To bend; to yield.
To act, go, or work diligently and steadily; especially, to do something by repeated actions; to go back and forth; as, a steamer plies between certain ports.
To work to windward; to beat.
A fold; a plait; a turn or twist, as of a cord.
Bent; turn; direction; bias.
Source: Webster's dictionaryI remember very well, when I was at Oxford, an old gentleman said to me, "Young man, ply your book diligently now, and acquire a stock of knowledge; for when years come upon you, you will find that poring upon books will be but an irksome task." Samuel Johnson
Arts may ply fantastic anatomy but nature is always herself in her wildest moods of extravagence. John Clare
The aim of poetry and the poet is finally to be of service, to ply the effort of the individual into the larger work of the community as a whole. Seamus Heaney
But my method of the pillar, as it throws the horse yet more upon the haunches, is still more effectual to this purpose, and besides always gives him the ply to the side he goes of. William Cavendish
For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, Or busy housewife ply her evening care: No children run to lisp their sire's return, Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share. Thomas Gray
The village of Sattara near Aurangabad was my hunting ground. Here on the top of a hill, stood a temple with an image of Khande Rai. By God's grace I demolished it, and forbade the temple dancers (muralis) to ply their shameful profession. Aurangzeb