01 v. t. To inclose; to infold.
imp. & p. p.
Employed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Employing
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1.
To inclose; to infold.[Obs.]
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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.
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3.
To occupy; as, to employ time in study.“Jonathan . . . and Jahaziah . . . were employed about this matter.” — Ezra x. 15.“Thy vineyard must employ the sturdy steer To turn the glebe.” — Dryden.
Phrases & compounds
To employ one's self —
to apply or devote one's time and attention; to busy one's self.