Webster's 1913 (original) (raw)

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.

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.