Webster's English Dictionary

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ply

1. ply \'pli-\ vt or plied;  or ply.ing [ME plien to fold, fr. MF plier, 
   fr. L plicare; akin to OHG (Xflehtan to braid, L plectere, Gk plekein : to 
   twist together {~ two single yarns} 
2. ply n 1a: one of the strands in a yarn  1b: one of several layers of 
   cloth usu. sewn or laminated together  1c: one of the veneer sheets forming 
   plywood  1d: a layer of a paper or paperboard  2: INCLINATION, BIAS 
3. ply vb or plied;  or ply.ing [ME plien, short for applien to apply] 1a: 
   to use or wield diligently  1b: to practice or perform diligently  2: to 
   keep furnishing or supplying to  3: to make a practice of rowing or sailing 
   over or on  1: to apply oneself steadily  2: to go or travel regularly