Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To bend.

2. (v. t.) 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.

3. (v. t.) To employ diligently; to use steadily.

4. (v. t.) To practice or perform with diligence; to work at.

5. (v. i.) To bend; to yield.

6. (v. i.) 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.

7. (v. i.) To work to windward; to beat.

8. (n.) A fold; a plait; a turn or twist, as of a cord.

9. (v.) Bent; turn; direction; bias.