Webster's English Dictionary

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apply

ap.ply \*-'pli-\ vb [ME applien, fr. MF aplier, fr. L applicare, fr. ad- 
   +]plicare to fold - more at PLY 1a: to put to use esp. for some practical 
   purpose  1b: to lay or spread on  2: to employ diligently or with close 
   attention  1: to have relevance  2: to make an appeal or request esp. in 
   the form of a written application