applyv.

Brit.

/əˈplʌɪ/, U.S.

/əˈplaɪ/

Forms: Middle English apploye, Middle English–1500s aplye, Middle English–1500s applye, Middle English–1600s aplie, Middle English–1600s aply, Middle English–1600s applie, Middle English– apply, late Middle English apploie (in a late copy), 1500s applise (3rd singular present indicative), 1500s–1600s applide (past tense); Scottish pre-1700 aply, pre-1700 applay, pre-1700 applie, pre-1700 apploy, pre-1700 applye, pre-1700 1700s– apply.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French applier.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman applier, apllier, aplier to apply, use (something), (in law) to attach (to oneself), to conform, bend (to) (also used reflexively), to land, make land, (of a ship) to moor, tie up (all 14th cent. or earlier; 12th cent. in reflexive use) and Middle French applier to provide support (1357), to land (1312 in Old French; compare also Old French s'aplier to submit oneself (late 12th or early 13th cent.), apleier to apply, employ (13th cent.), aploier to engage, apply (13th cent.)) < classical Latin applicāre to bring into contact, to place near to, to lead, drive, bring, to bring (a ship to a destination), to land, to add in speech or writing, to bring to bear, to assign, set, to devote oneself (to), to accommodate, adapt, in post-classical Latin also to put to a special use or purpose (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), to administer (a remedy) (1363 in Chauliac) < ap- ap- prefix¹ + plicāre to fold (see plicate v.). The semantic development of the English word was probably also affected by association with Anglo-Norman appliquer, applicer, applikier to attach, tie (14th cent. or earlier), to use (15th cent. or earlier) and Middle French appliquier, Middle French, French appliquer to use (for a particular purpose), to put into practice, to attribute (to), (reflexive) to adapt (oneself to) (all 13th cent. in Old French), to land (c1300), a later (learned) reborrowing of classical Latin applicāre . Compare applique v.¹, ply v.²Compare Old Occitan aplicar to fasten (late 12th cent.), to land (1314), to apply (c1350; Occitan aplicar ; compare also Old Occitan apleyar (13th cent.)), Catalan aplegar to collect, summon, to apply, attach (13th cent.), to land (14th cent.), to arrive (15th cent.), aplicar to apply, devote (14th cent.), Spanish †aplegar , allegar to approach, touch (10th cent. as aplekar ), aplegar to assemble (1189), to arrive, to devote (c1200), to reach, touch, to associate with (c1250), allegar to attribute (c1196), to reach, to approach, to arrive, to assemble (13th cent.), aplicar to apply, to assemble, collect (14th cent.), Portuguese aplicar to apply (15th cent.), Italian applicare to apply (1312). The sense development in French may have been affected by association with plier ply v.¹ On the development of the stem form appli- in French see note at ply v.¹ With the sense development in Branch II. compare also accost v., address v.

I. To put a thing into practical contact with another.

* To connect one thing with another physically, and related senses.

†a. transitive. To bring (persons) together, to assemble. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > gather together [verb (transitive)] > assemble (people or animals)

gathera975

samOE

flockc1275

assemble1297

ensemblea1300

sanka1300

semblea1325

applyc1384

minga1400

resemble1477

suma1500

congregatea1513

amass1573

troopa1592

convene1596

to scum together1596

conventicle1597

rally1603

entroop1609

rustle1883

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) Dan. xi. 34 Ful many shuln be applied [L. applicabuntur], or putt to, to hem gylfully.

a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Num. xvi. 5 The Lord..schal applie [L. applicabit] to hym hooli men.

a1425 (a1382) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) 1 Kings xiv. 38 Aplieth hidir [1388 Brynge ȝe hidur; L. applicate huc] alle the corners of the puple.

b. transitive. To bring into, or place in, more or less prolonged contact, or effective proximity; to put close to; to place (a flame, heat, a measuring instrument, etc.) in immediate proximity to. Formerly also: to fasten, to stick.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > nearness > be near to [verb (transitive)] > be in contact with > bring into contact with

touchc1300

applya1398

applique1558

appose1593

contact1834

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. v. xxiii. 212 A frogge haþ propir voys, and his tonge is aplyed to the mouþ tofore.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/1 I applye one thyng to another, Je applicque. Applye them togyther, and than you shall se there is a great difference.

1581 J. Maplet Diall Destiny f. 66 In theyr coursing they [sc. Hares] apply their eares fast and flat to their backes.

a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 177 Thomas applyed Christ to himselfe by touching.

1677 R. Hooke Lampas 6 To this Wick thus filled with Oyl apply the flame of a Lamp or Candle, or any other substance extremely hot.

1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. i. 769 Each to his Lips apply'd the nectar'd Urn.

1797 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 87 9 If..the person applies a convex glass to one eye only.

1854 J. Scoffern in Orr's Circle Sci., Chem. Chem. 333 On applying heat to the retort.

1855 ‘F. Fern’ Ruth Hall xlvii. 181 Hark! a muffled noise from the cradle! Mr. Skiddy started, and applied his toe vigorously to the rocker.

1874 J. Lubbock Orig. & Metamorphoses Insects i. 18 The head is applied against the breast.

1922 J. Joyce Ulysses 456 He applies his handkerchief to his mouth.

1930 Jrnl. Iron & Steel Inst. 122 542 Welded-on overlays..have been applied to drill bits and other tools to combat abrasion.

1967 J. N. Barron Lang. of Painting 118 Gummed paper tape applied to the canvas as a mask or stencil in order to obtain clean sharp edges.

2006 New Yorker 23 Oct. 71/3 Drip irrigation..applies minimal amounts of water directly to the roots of crops.

c. transitive. Geometry. To place or construct (a line, figure, etc.) in contact with another.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > geometry > form or represent geometrically [verb (transitive)] > construct or manipulate geometric object

to pull out?a1560

apply1570

coapt1570

quadrate1623

raise1647

join1660

range1670

project1673

rabat1868

unsquare1872

1570 H. Billingsley in tr. Euclid Elements Geom. f. 55 If the angle geuen be an obtuse or an acute angle, then shall the parallelograme applied be a Rhombus or diamond figure.

1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 7 The parts of the one being applyed to the parts of the other.

1695 W. Alingham Geom. Epitomiz'd 12 A right line is said to be applied in a Circle, when the ends thereof fall upon the circumference.

1702 J. Harris New Short Treat. Algebra 48 On d the longest Leg of the Triangle given, describe a Semicircle, and in it apply c the other Leg.

1785 W. Ludlam Rudim. Math. i. 155 To the side LM, apply another parallelogram LMNP, equal to the triangle AEB.

1862 I. Todhunter Elem. Euclid i. iv If the triangle ABC be applied to DEF so that the point A may be on D.

1972 M. Kline Math. Thought iv. 74 That parallelogram is greatest which is applied to the half of the straight line and is similar to the defect.

d. transitive. To bring (a physical force or influence) to bear upon a thing; to cause to act upon at a particular point or place.

ΚΠ

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Power, in Mechanics, a Force, which being apply'd to a Machine, tends to produce Motion.

1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. I. 187 The melting furnace is designed for applying the greatest force of heat to the most fixed bodies, such as metals and earths.

1807 T. Young Course Lect. Nat. Philos. I. vii. 66 If the force be applied obliquely, it may always be imagined to act at the end of a lever equal in length to the perpendicular let fall from the fulcrum in the direction of the force.

1903 J. J. Thomson Conduction Electr. through Gases ii. 21 If we..apply a strong electric field between the plates.

1922 J. Joyce Ulysses 653 He..raised the latch of the area door..and by leverage of the first kind applied at its fulcrum gained retarded access to the kitchen.

1998 New Scientist 14 Nov. 12/2 Higuchi and his colleagues apply a 50-megahertz electric field to a piezoelectric lithium niobate crystal.

2002 M. Vable Mech. of Materials iii. 136 If we raise the temperature before we apply the force P on the specimen.

e. transitive. To stick on or sew (a decorative piece of fabric), to trim or ornament with appliqué; (also) to decorate (fabric, etc.) with appliqué. Also in extended use in metalwork, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > other

pink1486

gore1548

apply1851

cord1870

tuft1884

1851 Harper's Mag. Dec. 144/2 There are at this season few articles included in the category of ladies' costume to which a trimming of velvet may not be applied.

1873 Littell's Living Age 1 Nov. 292/1 At first sight, one thinks the patches are applied.

1880 E. Glaister Needlework v. 49 The heraldic figures..are applied in white cloth.

1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 12/1 The foundation was generally muslin, and the net applied or let in.

1901 Westm. Gaz. 14 Mar. 4/2 Everything is applied with insertions or cut-out flowers and figures of lace.

1962 Times 1 Dec. 11/5 The patches are applied individually where required for decoration on a solid fabric ground.

1969 Guardian 1 July 9/2 Mirror-work is a traditional Indian craft which looks enchanting..densely applied to a gipsy-type waistcoat or belt.

1980 S. Hazzard Transit of Venus i. xi. 75 Her pupils insensate as the bronze discs applied as eyes to ancient statues.

1990 Orientations Apr. 77/1 Each of the slightly concave sides was applied with a snarling animal mask.

2001 P. Cox & M. M. Gordon Amer. Quilt Classics (2004) 161 In some quilts the baskets themselves are patchwork, and the items they contain..are applied.

a. transitive. To place or spread (an ointment, remedy, dressing, etc.) on the skin or other body surface. In later use also: to administer (a treatment).

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > [verb (transitive)] > administer (treatment)

administer?a1425

apply?a1425

ministera1475

adhibit1543

administrate1595

exhibit1601

the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)]

affordOE

findOE

purveyc1300

chevise1340

ministera1382

upholda1417

supply1456

suppeditate1535

perfurnishc1540

previse1543

subminister1576

tend1578

fourd1581

instaurate1583

to find out1600

suffice1626

subministrate1633

affurnisha1641

apply1747

to stump up1833

to lay on1845

to come up with1858

?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 25^v (MED) Water & acete medled in fourme potable & with a sponge applied.

?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 90 (MED) Take þe whytes of eyren..& be þay applyed i. laide to wiþ herdes & clowtes.

?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens iv. sig. Oij Wherfore are horse leaches applyed?

1597 W. Langham Garden of Health 459 Apply the iuice to any wound.

1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. iii. 37 Ile apply your eye, gentle louer, remedy.

1694 W. Salmon tr. Y. van Diemerbroeck Anat. Human Bodies (new ed.) ii. 54 Hot Fomentations were apply'd, of hot Herbs boil'd in Wine, adding thereto Spirit of Wine; but to little purpose.

1747 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1851) V. 93 The most speedy Remedy, which..is not in our Power to Apply.

1793 Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. 3 p. xix Lizard-tail, bruised and applied as a poultice to sore and impostumate breasts will ripen and heal them.

1806–31 A. Knox Remains (1844) I. 45 Such palliatives as it is fully in his..power to apply.

1883 Amer. Naturalist 17 123 She ought to have pressed affectionately the hand that cut the hair from off the region of her little stomach and gently applied a mustard plaster.., but instead, she bit it.

1903 N. S. Mayo Care of Animals 99 In the early stages of the quittor, pull off the shoe and apply a good poultice.

1967 Times 20 Jan. 8/4 They applied artificial respiration and external heart massage to keep the brain alive while the freezing process went on.

2006 Burns 32 212/1 A traditional tie-over dressing may be applied to support the take of the skin-graft.

b. transitive. To lay or spread (esp. a soft or liquid substance, as paint, ink, etc.) on to a surface.

ΚΠ

1738 E. Chambers Cycl. (ed. 2) at Empasting A Term used in painting, for the laying on of colours, thick and bold, or applying several lays of colours, so as they may appear thick.

1822 Specif. Patent No. 4640 Applegath 2 Applying the ink to..plates, or blocks.

1904 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. 135/2 Pigment..will spread when thinned to a consistency suitable for being applied with a brush.

1951 Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.) 23 Aug. 13/1 Apply lipstick in the morning, before starting to work around the house.

2003 Time Out N.Y. 27 Feb. 68/4 The artist applies the paint with his fingers to achieve the desired effect.

†a. intransitive. To come into contact, join itself, attain to. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) v. pr. iv. l. 4660 Þe moeuynge of þe resoun of mankynde ne may nat moeuen to, þat is to sein applien or ioygnen to þe simplicite of þe deuyne prescience.

b. intransitive. To adhere, stick to; to be in close contact; to fit closely. Also figurative. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > distance > nearness > be near [verb (intransitive)] > be in contact

meet?a1300

touch?c1425

apply?a1439

abut1492

abut1826

contact1876

a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) vii. l. 694 (MED) Euery vice to othir doth applie.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/2 I applye or cleave..as glue dothe to a tree or thynges that be glued, Je adhers.

1693 A. Moulen in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 17 624 This Sand did apply to the Magnet.

1721 E. Ward Merry Travellers: Pt. I 10 From hence I lug'd my honest Friend, Who on a Post some time had lean'd, To take a little Nap, whilst I Apply'd unto the Wall hard by.

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §121 The manner in which it [sc. the building] was to apply to the rock.

a1805 J. Robison Syst. Mech. Philos. (1822) II. 620 This [ring] is drawn in above the leather..and causes it to apply to the side of the pipe all around.

1844 Mechanics' Mag. 6 Apr. 238/1 In the case of bearings which have shoulders applying to the side surfaces of the box.

1871 Scribner's Monthly Apr. 622/2 The mouth..consists of..one to four bristle-formed lancets, which..apply to each other so accurately as to form an air-tight tube.

1978 T. Hughes Cave Birds 58 A leaf of the earth Applies to it, a cooling health.

** To connect one thing with another by use or reference.

4. transitive. To connect (something abstract) with (a person or thing) as its attribute or cause; to refer, ascribe, attribute. With to, unto. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > attribute or ascribe as an attribute

puta1382

applya1393

suppose?a1425

ascribec1475

attach?1531

attribute1533

adscribe1534

assign?1541

allude1561

repose1561

predicate1614

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 1100 Unto this Signe [sc. Virgo] is Augst applied.

c1450 (a1400) Orologium Sapientiæ in Anglia (1888) 10 329 Wisdam is proprelye applyede to þe sone.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/2 I applye or assyne the cause of a mater to a persone, Jattribue: I applye the cause herof to the malyce of Saturne.

1697 Great Necessity & Advantage Preserving Manufacturies 2 The Author of a Pamphlet..applies the cause of this difference wholly to the mistaken Prejudices of those, who..don't know where to fix the reason of their misery by the Decrease of their Trade.

1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 24 Thus Wit, like Faith, by each Man is apply'd To one small Sect, and All are damn'd beside.

1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews viii. x, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 255 God sent Shishak, King of Egypt, to punish them... Concerning whom Herodotus was mistaken, and applied his actions to Sesostris.

1842 E. H. Lindo tr. R. M. Ben Israel Conciliator II. ii. 163 You cannot say it was accidental, and apply these events to your idols.

2004 C. D. Meletis & J. E. Barker Herbs & Nutrients for Mind i. 68 Conventional medicine applies the cause of dementia to specific conditions of the brain.

5. transitive. To put to a special use or purpose; to devote, appropriate to.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > use for specific purpose

bestowc1315

lay1340

putc1390

apply1395

usea1398

applicate?a1425

deputec1425

explay1552

employ1553

consecrate1555

implya1625

sacrate1653

consign1700

devote1703

to give up1885

Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) (1851) 22 (MED) Such a preest wole..applie tho [funds] to riche prestis or ipocritis religious, that han more than nedith to hem.

c1435 J. Lydgate Stans Puer (Bodl. 686) f. 187 Þe best musselye..Hole to þiselue alway do not applie.

a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 123 (MED) Pondage and tonnage..aught to be applied only to þe kepynge off the see.

1588 T. Hariot Briefe Rep. Virginia sig. B2 Seeing there is so much ground whereof some may well be applyed to such purposes.

1637 T. Heywood Pleasant Dialogues & Dramma's 207 It is ridiculous in the maide longing for marriage, to wrest the law, and apply it unto her owne purpose.

1668 A. Marvell Let. 22 Feb. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 66 The Poll mony hath likewise been applyd to the use of the warre.

1726 Ess. Ways & Means Advancement of Trade 4 Supposing, we shall not be hindered..to apply these Funds to the Uses they were intended for.

1770 H. Kelly Word to Wise i. i. 14 Sir George we are certain will do good with his fortune—whereas had it been possessed by my boy,—how am I sure that it wou'd not be applied to very different purposes.

1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §146 Having procured a carpenter to be applied to that purpose.

1848 J. S. Mill Princ. Polit. Econ. v. v. §1 The act of directing industry to a particular employment is described by the phrase ‘applying capital’ to the employment.

1880 Sir W. Hart Dyke in Standard 29 Nov. As a rule we do not apply money to bye-elections.

1937 L. M. Fraser Econ. Thought & Lang. xii. 209 How to apply labour to material resources so as to yield the desired product.

1960 J. A. Garraty Right-hand Man ix. 177 Through his highly informal personal bookkeeping arrangements, Perkins applied the money to the credit of the fund.

2004 9/11 Comm. Rep. (National Comm. Terrorist Attacks U.S.) iii. 76 The [FBI] field offices did not apply significant resources to terrorism.

a. transitive. To bring (a rule, a test, a principle, etc.) into contact with facts; to bring to bear practically; to put into practical operation.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)] > exercise or put into practice (principle or quality)

kithec1330

usec1330

apply1395

execute14..

in urec1420

exercisea1513

to put into (also in) practice1553

reduce1581

to make practice of1623

exsert1665

exert1682

the world > relative properties > relationship > relevance or pertinence > [verb (transitive)] > apply or bring to bear

apply1395

move?a1425

Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) (1851) 45 These principlis vndirstonden weiwardli, and applied blasfemeli to a synful man, sith these acorden generali to God aloone that mai not erre, confounden othir sheenden holi chirche in erthe.

1531 tr. E. Fox et al. Determinations Moste Famous Vniuersities v. f. 100 That is done by a iudge, applyenge the vniuersall & fyrste rule of generall iustice, to some particuler matter.

1584 T. Cogan Hauen of Health ccxlii. 259 These precepts..must bee applyed particularly to euerie mans owne estate.

1655 S. Fisher Love-token for Mourners 143 Earthly Judges even through Ignorance, do mistake in applying the Rule, but God cannot.

1685 W. Sherlock Vindic. Rights Eccl. Authority ii. 143 Which shews the great judgment of our Church in applying this Rule to one case, and not to the other.

1754 Bp. T. Sherlock Disc. (1759) I. i. 35 The Difficulty is, how to apply this Rule.

1809 S. T. Coleridge Friend 12 Oct. 142 The Principles which our Understandings are to apply.

1859 Ecce Homo iv. 29 By applying practical tests.

1930 C. W. Davies Conductivity of Solutions i. 12 Ostwald's dilution law breaks down completely when it is applied to solutions of the common salts.

1965 A. J. P. Taylor Eng. Hist. 1914–45 286 His ideas would have had to be applied by civil servants and industrialists who had no faith in them.

2000 Amer. Prospect 6 Nov. 34/2 The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life..attempts to apply the principles of Torah to the preservation of the planet.

b. intransitive. To have a practical bearing upon something; to have valid or suitable reference to.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > relevance or pertinence > [verb (intransitive)]

belimpOE

beholda1067

belielOE

pertaina1325

pendc1330

appendc1386

appertainc1386

holdc1430

pretenda1470

recorda1500

depend1525

extenda1533

inherea1628

to make to ——1645

apply1741

1741 Information for Mr. John McKye of Palgowan 26 The same Observation applies to the other Case.

1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ i. 3 This test applies to every supposition.

1851 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings 18 This observation applies to Saul's history.

1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 95 It will apply no less to our own case.

1889 J. S. Farmer Americanisms 354/1 The title of Marm School has been perpetuated in cases where the idea of inefficiency..no longer applies.

1901 Daily Chron. 29 May 3/7 A machine-driven vehicle naturally needs restrictions that do not apply to horse-driven vehicles.

1961 M. Spark Prime of Miss Jean Brodie v. 146 She is above the common moral code, it does not apply to her.

2002 New Statesman 18 Feb. 26/2 Pederasty is perceived to be evil because children are not able to give informed consent... Foxes are not children, but the same principle applies.

7. transitive. To bring (an action, etc., now esp. some kind of force) to bear upon a person, in order to produce a moral, emotional, or spiritual effect; to administer. Usually with to.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > cause to operate [verb (transitive)] > put in effective operation

yieldc1315

underbear1382

to put forthc1390

showa1398

apply?c1400

to put outc1400

exercisec1405

to put toc1410

employ?1473

enforce1490

exerce1535

adhibit?1538

addict1562

endeavour?1575

work1591

address1598

to give stream to?1611

to lay out1651

exsert1665

exert1682

c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 441 God hym selfe heris hit, and applies þis prayere to profite of þe man.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. xii. sig. Aa3 To Guyon..Their pleasaunt tunes they sweetly thus applyde.

1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 5 I..can onely apply unto you the outward signe of Baptism.

1647 T. Fuller Cause Wounded Conscience vi. 37 To apply comfort to him who is not..ready for it.

1733 T. Ridgley Body of Divinity II. 8/1 Christ..will certainly apply the redemption, which he has purchas'd, to all.

1796 J. Bentham Managem. Poor xxi. 110 Doubts would be started—whether it would be advisable to apply such constant and unremitting pressure to the tender mind.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. v. 502 They applied coercion to the English resident.

1869 A. Trollope Phineas Finn I. xviii. 147 It only shows how far a man may be made to go, if only the proper force be applied.

1902 Times 15 Apr. 5/3 The water cure torture was applied..to the Presidente of Igbaras.

1918 W. E. Weyl End of War 7 It was difficult for him (or us) to apply coercion to friends and Allies.

2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) iii. 83 Pressure applied by party functionaries to get the government business through parliament.

8. transitive. To give to (a general, theoretical, or figurative statement) a specific reference to a particular instance; to use as relative or suitable to, †unto.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > relevance or pertinence > [verb (transitive)] > apply

apply?a1425

to go for ——1914

?a1425 in P. Gradon Eng. Wycliffite Serm. (1988) II. 330 Wordis..whuche semeþ beste þus to ben applyed.

a1475 (a1447) O. Bokenham Mappula Angliae in Englische Studien (1887) 10 13 To þe facundite þer-of mow welle been applyed þese verse of Virgyle.

1509 Bp. J. Fisher Wks. (1876) 289 Which dyalogue I wolde applye vnto this noble prynces.

1572 J. Bridges tr. R. Gwalther Hundred, Threescore & Fiftene Homelyes vppon Actes Apostles xiii. 547 Let vs therfore apply to our selues that which Paule sayth in this place.

1659 J. Pearson Expos. Apostles Creed v. 464 The Apostle repeated the words of the Psalmist, and then applied them.

1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. xi. ix. 180 To apply all this to the Bœotian Writers.

1766 J. Fordyce Serm. Young Women II. xi. 248 I leave you to apply the remark.

1853 F. W. Robertson Serm. 3rd Ser. xvii. 218 Two ways in which this deep truth applies itself.

1863 G. Steward Mediatorial Sovereignty I. ii. xiii. 460 It is surely legitimate to apply this statement to the case before us.

1932 W. Faulkner Light in August 455 How false the most profound book turns out to be when applied to life.

1951 G. Katona Psychol. Anal. Econ. Behavior xi. 244 This statement is applied both to production and investment decisions.

2000 Russ. Rev. 59 418 No historian of Russia would have difficulty applying these words to tsarist policy towards the villages.

9. transitive. To put to use, employ; to spend, dispose of.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)]

noteOE

take?a1160

turnc1175

usec1300

to fare witha1340

benote1340

spenda1400

usea1400

weara1400

naitc1400

occupy1423

to put (also set) in work?a1425

practise?c1430

apply1439

employ?1473

to call upon ——1477

help1489

tew1489

handle1509

exercise1526

improvea1529

serve1538

feed1540

enure1549

to make (also take) (a) use of1579

wield1601

adoperate1612

to avail oneself ofa1616

prevail1617

to make practice of1623

ploy1675

occasion1698

to call on ——1721

subserve1811

nuse1851

utilize1860

1439–40 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1439 §61. m. 1 Where it liketh you..for the defense of this your noble reaume, to applie and dispende divers notables sommes of the revenues of youre corone.

c1503 R. Arnold Chron. f. Cvij^v Whether ony executor..applye or appropir ony thing of the goodis of the deed man.

a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. C [He] hadde applied the moste parte of his lyfe in warre.

1613 I. F. Christes Bloodie Sweat 35 Whiles thus his iolly time he doth apply, One sayes that he within an hower must die.

1633 Declar. Charles I conc. Lawfull Sports sig. B2^v When shall the common people have leaue to exercise, if not upon the Sundayes, & holydaies, seeing they must apply their labour, & win their liuing in all working daies?

1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 485. ⁋2 Knife or a pistol, if he finds stomach to apply them.

1774 G. Colman Man of Business v. 75 He has made free to borrow the money left in his hands indeed: but then he has applied all that he could command of his own into the bargain.

1812 Examiner 28 Sept. 620/1 Those resources the kingdom should economically apply.

1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds ii. 28 They know how to apply their labour.

1907 C. Urban Cinematograph 29 Dr. Doyen..has for the past ten years applied cinematography to record rare and difficult surgical operations.

1910 J. London Burning Daylight i. vi. 61 He applied wit and skill and strength; but behind it all was the everlasting Luck.

1969 R. Salerno & J. S. Tompkins Crime Confederation 102 He must now apply his recruiting talents to get the right people for the job.

2002 Time 16 Sept. 47/3 Crest bought the firm..and, by applying its marketing and distribution muscle, has turned it into a $200 million category killer.

10. transitive. To make use of (a word, a name, a description, etc.) in special reference, or so as to attribute a specific character or description, to (also unto) something or someone. Also intransitive: to have specific reference to.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > mean, signify, express [verb (transitive)]

tokenc888

meaneOE

sayOE

bequeathc1175

signifya1382

beara1400

bemeana1400

soundc1400

designc1429

applyc1450

betoken1502

express1526

conveya1568

intend1572

carry1584

denotate1597

pronounce1610

to set out1628

implya1640

speak1645

denote1668

designate1741

describe1808

enunciate1859

c1450 J. Capgrave Solace of Pilgrims (Bodl. 423) 162 Þerfor þe cherch applieth þis langage on to martires, seying þat..þei are worthi þe palma, þat is to sey to be clepid uictores.

c1487 J. Skelton tr. Diodorus Siculus Bibliotheca Historica i. 19 And somme saye that the sonne vnto hym hath a name applyed of a skynne of celestial variete for the dyuersite of heuenly sterris.

1534 W. Marshall tr. Erasmus Playne & Godly Expos. Commune Crede f. 170 The more often and commune vse hath applied this word [sc. adultery] to the breakyng and violatynge of wedlocke by the vnlawfull fleshely dealyng of man and woman to gether.

1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. 121/2 Regardant..is..only applyed to a villeine.

1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding iii. x. 249 He that applies the Words..to Ideas, different from those, to which the common use..applies them.

1716 H. Stebbing Postscript Charge of Heresy 29 The Scripture does constantly apply the Phrase baptized with the Holy Ghost, to such Persons as were endued with the extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

1775 J. Adair Hist. Amer. Indians 45 They apply the word heart, only to animate beings.

1813 H. Davy Elements Agric. Chem. iv. 175 The term sandy..should never be applied to any soil that does not contain at least ⁷/ ₈ of sand.

1858 O. W. Holmes Autocrat of Breakfast-table viii. 219 Rum I take to be the name which unwashed moralists apply alike to the product distilled from molasses and the noblest juices of the vineyard.

1877 W. Lytteil Landmarks Sc. Life & Lang. i. i. 17 The word fell is applied to rocky heights, peaks, and cliffs.

1915 A. S. Neill Dominie's Log vii. 79 The phrase ‘born in sin’ is still applied to an illegitimate child.

1955 F. G. Ashbrook Butchering vii. 107 The term ‘mutton’, as commonly used commercially, applies to the flesh of older sheep.

2004 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 18 Nov. 11/2 The same US government that resisted the use of the ‘g word’ in Rwanda is today applying the word to Darfur.

†11. transitive. To connect with by association of similarity, compare, liken. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)]

comparison1340

likena1382

figure1393

compare1447

comparagea1450

comparate?a1475

assemble1483

apply?1532

assimile1547

configurate1582

resemble1590

guise1606

similize1620

assimilate1630

approacha1649

consimilate1716

?1532 T. Elyot tr. Plutarch Educ. Children (new ed.) ii. sig. Aiv^v So (in bringinge vp of youre children) ye shall applie & resemble to the moulde your childrens nature, to the ploughman, their instructour or maister to the sede, Instruction of lernynge & preceptes.

1588 H. Oldcastle & J. Mellis Briefe Instr. Accompts sig. Biij A marchant may be applied vnto Argus.

1661 J. Tatham Lond. Tryumphs 21 My woes may aptly be apply'd to theirs That lost their King.

1670 H. Thorndike in G. Whitehead Popish Informer Reprehended 18 All such Debauchery, and ungodly Practises..we utterly deny and abhor, they more suit the Spirit of many of his own Fraternity, who..more justly might be compared and applied unto them who are possest with the Spirit of Whoredom.

II. To direct a ship, one's course, oneself, one's words to.

†12.

a. intransitive (a) To land, arrive; (b) to steer, proceed, take oneself off, go; (Astrology) to approach in conjunction or aspect. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)]

thinkeOE

bowa1000

seta1000

scritheOE

minlOE

turnc1175

to wend one's wayc1225

ettlec1275

hieldc1275

standc1300

to take (the) gatec1330

bear?c1335

applyc1384

aim?a1400

bend1399

hita1400

straighta1400

bounc1400

intendc1425

purposec1425

appliquec1440

stevenc1440

shape1480

make1488

steera1500

course1555

to make out1558

to make in1575

to make for ——a1593

to make forth1594

plyc1595

trend1618

tour1768

to lie up1779

head1817

loop1898

society > travel > aspects of travel > arrival > arrive [verb (intransitive)]

to come toOE

comeOE

yworthOE

lend11..

lightc1225

overtakec1225

redea1275

wina1300

'rivec1300

repaira1325

applyc1384

to come ina1399

arrivec1400

attainc1400

alightc1405

to come to handc1450

unto-comec1450

apport1578

to get through1589

reach1591

to be along1597

land1679

engage1686

to get in1863

to breeze in1930

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach a point or place [verb (intransitive)] > arrive

comeOE

to come to townOE

yworthOE

lend11..

lightc1225

to come anovenonc1275

wina1300

'rivec1300

repaira1325

applyc1384

to come ina1399

rede?a1400

arrivec1400

attainc1400

alightc1405

to come to handc1450

unto-comec1450

apport1578

to be along1597

to drop in1609

to come ona1635

to walk in1656

land1679

engage1686

to come along1734

to get in1863

to turn up1870

to fall in1900

to lob1916

to roll up1920

to breeze in1930

to rock up1975

c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Macc. iii. 42 The oost appliede [L. applicabant], or londide, at the coostis of hem.

c1425 Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 62 (MED) A mane commynge home..with his shippe, chargid with wyne And applied at Londone.

1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) 1073 (MED) To the port of Brundusye they dede applye.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxi. 41 This schip to þe Roche gan Aplye.

?1511 Treat. Joseph of Armathy (de Worde) sig. A^v They applyed vnto londe in y^e same vessell whiche god had prouyded for theym.

1545 in State Papers Henry VIII (1830) I. 816 With the nexte fludde..we entend tapplye towardes Dover.

1565 in J. Bell Queen Elizabeth & Swedish Princess (1926) 64 To tourne and retourne, to featche the wynde (as they tearme yt) to applie and replie everie waie wherby we mighte atcheave the haven of Dover.

a1654 N. Culpeper Treat. Aurum Potabile (1656) ii. ii. 103 The Moon so variously applyes, sometimes to this Star, and sometimes to that.

1662 R. Mathews Unlearned Alchymist (new ed.) §89. 146 A Woman taken sick of a violent Fever..presently applied to her Bed.

1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. v. 96 [He] then lets it go again, so that it swiftly applies to its first position.

1759 B. Martin Nat. Hist. Eng. I. 17 In such prodigious shoals do the Pilchards apply to the Cornish Coasts.

1819 J. Wilson Compl. Dict. Astrol. 10 Planets preceding apply to those that follow.

1819 J. Wilson Compl. Dict. Astrol. The ☽ is also said to be feral, when she is void of course, having separated from a planet, and applying to no other.

b. transitive. To bring (a ship) to land; to direct or steer (a ship, her course, one's course, etc.). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)]

stretcha1225

turnc1275

ready?a1400

seta1400

incline?c1400

apply?a1425

raika1500

rechec1540

make1548

address1554

frame1576

bend1579

to shape one's course1593

intend1596

tend1611

direct1632

steer1815

society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > direct or manage ship [verb (transitive)] > bring to land

arrive?c1400

apply?a1425

?a1425 (?a1350) T. Castleford Chron. (1996) I. 1682 Aliene men..Wer ryfen on hym, wyth gret navye, Hys power and hys landys to spye, Off hys regne in þe vtterest syd, Wyth so many schyppys, þai ware applied.

1576 Sir T. Smith in T. Wright Lett. Queen Elizabeth (1838) II. 33 To whether haven I shall applie my ship.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. iv. sig. P3^v To whom his course he hastily applide .

1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. i. 12 To a Groue at hand her steps applide.

1621 G. Sandys tr. Ovid First Five Bks. Metamorphosis v. 127 And o're the toyling Seas her course apply'd To Thebes.

c. transitive. To go to, visit. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > visit a place

seeeOE

seek971

teemc1275

visitc1400

apply1510

vizy1535

1510 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 69 All maner of Shippes applyeng the same porte owght..to charge and discharge att..Newcastell.

?1609 G. Chapman tr. Homer Twelue Bks. Iliads xi. 187 He applide each place so fast.

d. transitive (reflexive). To direct oneself, make one's way (by ship or otherwise) to. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

a1618 W. Raleigh Observ. (1651) 45 Light things apply themselves upwards.

1635 T. Heywood Hierarchie Blessed Angells vii. 439 For if these Spirits, Places had assign'd..How could they then so suddenly be lifted Into the vpper Heav'ns? or thence apply Themselues to th' earth in twinkling of an eye?

1672 E. Borlase Farther Acct. Latham Spaw 6 in Latham Spaw Let such (as would drink these Waters) advise with their Physician, whether the Cause (for which they would apply themselves hither) be probable to be relieved here.

13.

a. intransitive. To make an approach to (a person) for information or aid; to have recourse or make application to, to appeal to; to make a (formal) request for.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone

clepec825

cryc1290

to pray (one) of a boon1393

to call on ——a1400

to seek on (also upon)a1400

to call upon ——c1405

sue1405

supplicate1417

peala1425

labour1442

to make suit1447–8

supply1489

suit1526

appeal1540

apply1554

incalla1572

invocate1582

beg1600

palaver1859

1554 H. Hilarie Resurreccion of Masse sig. A vii To me therfore let all men applye If to come to glory they do intend.

1661 R. L'Estrange Relaps'd Apostate sig. B2 Kept from them, to whom they seemingly apply for Satisfaction.

1726 C. D'Anvers Craftsman (1727) ii. 14 By the Liberty of the Press I mean..an unreserved, discretionary power for every man to publish his thoughts..without being obliged to apply for a licence or privilege for so doing.

1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. I. ii. 121 The French king..applied to the parliament of Scotland.

1774 J. Bryant New Syst. (new ed.) I. 48 His temples were applied to as oracular.

1785 Times 24 Feb. 2/1 Mr. Colman has applied for a patent, which has been refused.

1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 120 A friend..to whom she resolved to apply in her distress.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 81 Exiles, who had come..to apply for succour.

1850 J. Shew Hydropathy (ed. 4) xiv. 267 Priessnitz never loses a patient in fever of any kind, provided he is applied to in season.

1861 H. A. Jacobs Incidents Life Slave Girl ii. 20 When grandmother applied to him for payment, he said the estate was insolvent, and the law prohibited payment.

1884 Graphic 23 Feb. 170/1 That Sir Wilfrid Lawson had turned ‘Bung’, and applied for a spirit licence.

1920 A. Carnegie Autobiogr. ix. 128 At a later date he..had applied for the right to use the Bessemer patents.

1936 R. S. Sibbald Marionettes in N. of France i. 44 M. Delannoy..gives a list of the marionettists who applied to the city of Lille..for permission to show their dolls.

1953 J. R. R. Tolkien Let. 11 Apr. (1995) 168 I also applied to my friend George Sayer..as the most normal reader and liker of the work that I could think of.

2006 Wall St. Jrnl. 5 Sept. d6/5 When foreigners apply for visas to enter the U.S., they now are required to have a finger scan.

b. transitive (reflexive). = sense 13a. Now archaic and rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > [verb (reflexive)] > appeal

reportc1425

address1567

apply1591

ply1668

1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints sig. N2^v How to obtaine a Beneficiall... Then to some Noble man your selfe applye.

1650 T. Bayly Worcesters Apophthegmes 22 I spied a young man..I applyed myself to him.

a1681 J. Lacy Sr. Hercules Buffoon (1684) v. iv. 48 I will take your advice, and apply my self to fair Belmaria.

1691 T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 53 Howard and Company further applyed themselves to..the Admiralty in their humble Memorial.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 117. ¶3 An old Woman applied her self to me for my Charity.

1743 M. Tomlinson Protest. Birthright 18 Apply ourselves to Persons of Learning and Integrity.

1773 R. Graves Spiritual Quixote I. v. 137 Whenever he said any thing to which he expected a particular attention, he applied himself to Miss Townsend..for her approbation.

1821 Ann. Biogr. & Obituary 5 iv. 451/1 He applied himself to Mr. Macklin, for his opinion as to his capabilities.

1849 P. Burke Celebrated Trials 305 Upon applying himself to her afterward..he received a very fair denial, and there his suit ended.

1989 R. Hutton Charles Second (1999) xiv. 390 James played a notably small part in matters of either policy or patronage. When people applied themselves to him, he referred them back to his brother.

c. intransitive. To appeal or address oneself to a principle or human quality. Now archaic and rare.

ΚΠ

a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) II. 13 Those who apply to Men's Fancies and Humours.

a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xvi. 340 God, who knows every Faculty and Passion of our Nature, and in what Manner they can most successfully be applied to.

1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxv. 47 He applied only to their honour as gentlemen, for protection.

1818 Times 2 May 3/5 The general committee has thought it their duty to apply to the generosity of the public for assistance in the present exhausted state of their finances.

1824 W. Scoresby Let. 31 Oct. in R. H. Scoresby-Jackson Life William Scoresby (1861) xii. 229 We have more than ordinary closeness to God..applying to his mercy in the responses.

1936 Times 11 Aug. 13/5 I apply to the kindness of your journal to give the publicity of our feelings which for ever will be deeply rooted in our hearts.

1967 S. D. Goitein Mediterranean Society I. ii. vii. 134 An old man who had no one to take care of him had to apply to the ‘mercy’ of the court for permission to buy a maidservant.

d. intransitive. To put oneself forward formally as a candidate for a position, esp. in a recruitment or selection process; to submit an application to do something, for a job or other position, or to an institution.Also in extended use, esp. in only (also no) —— need apply.

ΚΠ

1756 C. Antsey Mem. Noted Buckhorse II. xvii. 55 Neither Papist nor Dissenter need apply, the Gentleman being himself of the Church of England.

1759 E. MacCulloch Appellant's Case 5 The Appellant had applied for the Office of Tide-Surveyor in a different Channel.

1847 R. S. Surtees Hawbuck Grange xvi. 328 He doesn't say, ‘No girl with money need apply;’ far from it... But money is not a ‘sine quâ non’.

1859 W. D. Howells Let. 26 Oct. in Sel. Lett. (1979) I. 47 Many apply for searg. at arms-ships.

1898 Punch 10 Dec. 274/3 A..Steward of the Jockey Club..once declared that Wealthy prizes attracted Wealthy Patrons.., which being interpreted, means, ‘Only millionaires need apply!’

1940 Daily Mirror 17 May 5/2 Over a quarter of a million had applied to join Britain's parashooters.

1968 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. 22 Feb. 455/1 They apply to medical school as college graduates.

2005 Independent 27 Sept. 38/3 He applied for a job at Barings Bank.

14. transitive. To address or direct (words) to. Now archaic and rare.Cf. quot. 1590 at sense 7.Sometimes difficult to distinguish from the commoner sense 10.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)] > address words to a person

dressa1325

puta1350

shapec1400

directc1450

address1518

apply1565

1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. iv. xxiv. f. 141^v He [sc. Caedmon] remembred stil by harte all the thinges that he had songe in his slepe, and dyd straight way ioyne thereto mo wordes..and made vp a song fytte to be songe and applyed to God [L. mox plura in eundem modum uerba Deo digni carminis adiunxit].

1629 F. Quarles Argalus & Parthenia i. 8 He himselfe assures, That desp'rate torments must haue desp'rate cures And thus to the diuine Partheniaes eares Applies his speech.

1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. xix. 155 Another Mexican dance they use..which in Heathenish times they did use with singing praises unto their King or Emperour; but now they apply their songs unto the King of Glory.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 172 God at last To Satan first in sin his doom apply'd, Though in mysterious terms.

1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey III. x. 32 And sacred vows, and mystic song apply'd To griesly Pluto.

1843 C. F. Briggs Bankrupt Stories i. iv. 33 The little fellow..applied an epithet to the house-keeper which it is hoped he did not fully understand.

1886 F. H. Burnett Little Lord Fauntleroy v. 94 He had employed most of his noble leisure in quarreling violently with them, in turning them out of his house, and applying abusive epithets to them.

1969 C. Middleton tr. F. Nietzsche in Sel. Lett. F. Nietzsche (1996) i. 28 If..I apply these words to you, dear friend, let them contain the best that my heart feels for you.

1997 E. Fantham tr. Cicero in W. J. Dominik Rom. Eloquence vii. 125 The case has no pleader who can apply his speech to the jurors' hearts, playing on them like the strings of a lyre.

III. To bring oneself into close practical contact with a pursuit.

15.

a. transitive. To devote one's energy to, to handle vigorously; to practise (one's business, or a pursuit or activity); = ply v.² 2b. In later use perhaps influenced by sense 9.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)]

doeOE

followOE

holda1100

found1340

exercec1374

enhaunta1382

usea1398

proceed1399

apply?c1400

practise?c1430

exercise1467

takea1500

plya1513

enure1549

prosecute1567

inurea1577

manage1579

to stand on ——1599

to carry on1638

cultivate1654

the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > engage in or busy oneself about

fanda1375

entermetea1393

deala1400

makea1400

apply?c1400

to have in occupation?1523

lie1546

entreat1590

to consist in1606

tirea1616

stickle1647

to be in the business of1873

c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 441 Fals men..say..þat speciale prayere aplied by hor prelatis is better þen generale.

1461 T. Denys in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 344 My maister your husbond wole parauenture blame vs all if this mater be not applied.

1549 T. Solme in H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie To Rdr. sig. Aviii The applye the world harde.

1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. i. 116 The mooste parte of the Sabeis apply husbandrye.

c1613 (a1500) in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 123 That the poor man for dread dare not apply his busines.

a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Yorks. 192 That he might the more effectually apply his private devotions.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 264 The Birds thir quire apply .

1725 R. Wolcott Poet. Medit. 77 Let the Sacred Order of the Gown, With Zeal apply the Business that's their own.

1943 Times 29 Dec. 3/3 The army commander directs the military effort and the R.A.F. commander with him applies the air effort in accordance with the combined plan.

1972 Amer. Jrnl. Agric. Econ. 54 533 We all acknowledge that Economists need tools to apply their trade.

1999 S. S. Tobin Preserv. Self in Oldest Years vii. 152 Mr. Sampson..is very bothered by what he can no longer do. No longer can he apply his trade.

†b. transitive. To handle vigorously (something used in one's occupation, esp. an implement or tool), to wield; to make assiduous use of; = ply v.² 2a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or control > [verb (transitive)]

wind993

wieldOE

aweldc1175

bewieldc1200

demeanc1300

use1340

plya1393

governc1405

exercite1475

apply1531

manage1590

sway1609

manipulate1834

wage1836

1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour ii. iv. sig. Ovi^v Quintius..repaired agayne to his ploughe, and applied it diligently.

1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. i. ii. i. 18 A notable spurre unto all..to applie their bookes.

1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. C1 Be the shepheards..laesie? That they list not their mery pipes applie?

1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) i. xxviii. 134 You shall apply him [sc. the horse] at least three or foure times a day.

16. transitive. To give or devote (a faculty) assiduously to. Also with infinitive and without complement.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > take care about [verb (transitive)] > attend to or cultivate > direct (one's mind or energies) to

doc1175

set1340

embrace1393

applyc1425

the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > engage in or busy oneself about > devote oneself to or take time for > devote (a faculty, time, etc.) to

spenda1300

givec1340

applyc1425

bend?1510

consecrate1555

divest1638

invest1837

c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 3011 (MED) For þei her wit fynally applye To swe her lust & lyue in glotonye.

a1500 in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 77 Of here beaute sum-what too say, I will applye my wittes all.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/2 I applye or gyve my mynde to a thyng, Je madonne.

1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxxix. 12 That we maye applie oure hertes vnto wyssdome.

1600 C. Sutton Disce Mor.i xiii. 186 (heading) How necessarie it is for the sicke, leauing all worldly, thoughtes, to apply his mind to praier and some godly meditation.

1673 J. Ray Observ. Journey Low-countries 200 I applyed my mind to consider..the physical reason of it.

c1746 J. Hervey Medit. (1818) 160 Apply your thoughts to religion.

1782 D. Williams Lett. Polit. Liberty 5 This is my reason for applying my thoughts to political subjects.

1815 W. H. Ireland Scribbleomania 70 I..advise this nobleman to apply his abilities to some more sterling and lasting theme.

1888 Atlantic Monthly Jan. 93/2 We hope that he has learned to apply his mind.

1898 E. von Arnim Elizabeth & her German Garden 5 All forms of needlework of the fancy order are inventions of the evil one for keeping the foolish from applying their hearts to wisdom.

1923 M. S. Watts in B. C. Williams O. Henry Prize Stories of 1923 (1924) 237 She..spent hours in the garden applying her patently unskilled energies to weeding and trimming it.

1971 Dict. National Biogr. 1951–60 1053/2 He applied his mind to horticulture and gradually converted the moat garden into a botanical showplace.

2001 P. Reizin Dumping Hilary? (2002) ix. 297 I sense the time may be right for the conspirators to apply their brilliant brains to the matter at hand.

17.

a. intransitive. To give one's full and careful attention. Usually with to. Also with infinitive (obsolete). Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > be diligent

plya1393

skelta1400

apply?a1439

ply1644

?a1439 J. Lydgate tr. Fall of Princes (Bodl.) iv. 3955 Afftir this stori Bochas gan applie To turne his penne..To write & tell the froward lecherie [etc.].

?c1500 Mary Magdalene (Digby) 1982 My londdes to gyddyn I mvst a-plye.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. ii. 32 Let your remembrance apply to Banquo.

1637 J. Rhodes Countrie Mans Comfort sig. A3 To know thy selfe thou must apply.

1740 Ld. Chesterfield Lett. (1932) (modernized text) II. 421 The more you apply, the easier you will find your learning.

1774 S. Hallifax Anal. Rom. Law (1795) Pref. 16 Those who apply to the study of the Common Law.

1817 W. Taylor in Monthly Rev. 83 492 He applied to English literature.

1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre I. xi. 193 I found my pupil..disinclined to apply.

a1908 A. Webb Autobiogr. Quaker Nationalist (1999) 18 They were oblivious to the reason that caused us to apply diligently to our work, until the mistress came behind them and boxed their ears.

1935 Times 25 Nov. 11/2 A people seeking salvation must apply diligently to their task.

b. transitive (reflexive). To set oneself closely to a task, activity, or object of study; to devote oneself to; (also, without complement) to work hard. Also with infinitive (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or busy oneself [verb (reflexive)] > devote or apply oneself

choosea1300

yield?a1366

givea1400

employ1439

applyc1450

poura1500

intend?1504

delivera1533

addict1534

bequeath1558

bend1591

devotea1616

devow1626

surrendera1732

puzzle1751

c1450 Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) 198 To hire organes she aplyeth hire and deliteth hire to the melodye.

?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 30 (MED) I wyl fforth with applye me þerto.

1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 5 Applying him self to do good dedis.

1562 tr. J. Jewel Apol. Church Eng. f. 54^v Thinke you that Abbots..will make a decree, that a Monke..ought to..apply himself to learning, dispute, pray, worke, and prepare himselfe to the ministery of the Church?

1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas sig. H 4^v He & his accursed companions applied themselues wholly to myrth.

1615 G. Markham Countrey Contentments i. ii. 50 When..hee [sc. the horse]..stubbornely applies himselfe to disobey you.

1680 E. Borlase Hist. Execrable Irish Rebellion 199 Making ample professions and protestations of Duty, and of applying themselves for the future to his Majesties Service, if they might be once again own'd by him.

1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 1. ¶3 I applied my self..to my Studies.

1773 J. Lind Lett. conc. Present State Poland p. x This court applied herself at the same time, and with equal zeal to the rectifying of many abuses and defects in the constitution.

1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian 188 She..applied herself to her sister's relief.

1874 J. S. Blackie On Self-culture 70 He could apply himself..to comprehend two such antipodal characters.

1916 W. Owen Let. Apr. (1967) 389 I hear you are applying yourself to some solid study for the J[unior] Oxford.

1956 H. L. Mencken Minority Rep. 121 He must apply himself to a vast mass of strange and difficult facts.

1995 N.Y. Times 25 June xiii. 10/5 Unlike some brainiacs, Lisa applied herself. During Sophomore year, she sometimes spent five hours a night on homework.

2003 C. Berlinski Loose Lips viii. 187 He applied himself to fixing a lamb and raisin plov.

†18.

a. transitive. To assail or afflict (a person) with something adverse; = ply v.² 4a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > adversity > suffer (adversity or affliction) [verb (transitive)] > inflict (adversity) on or upon

teenOE

wait1303

show1483

usurpc1485

prejudge1531

pull1550

apply1558

inflict1594

to put through the mangle1924

1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos iv. sig. L.ij^v Applie them still with strife.

a1627 J. Hayward Life & Raigne Edward Sixt (1630) 7 He thought it best to apply her with some corporall chastisements which with respit of time might happely reduce her to good order.

b. transitive. To keep at (a person) with (something presented to his attention); = ply v.² 5a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > urge or importune

depressc1400

nurnc1400

pressc1440

labourc1450

instancea1513

instanta1513

importune1530

to lie at, upon1535

apply1559

urge1568

importunate1574

ply1581

to put on ——?a1600

flagitate1623

besiege1712

earwig1804

bone1856

tout1920

S.O.S.a1936

opportune1941

1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Suffolk xxii. 1 [They] applyed the Parliament with billes.

1590 H. Swinburne Briefe Treat. Test. & Willes vii. f. 243 [If she] busily applie him with sweete and flattering speeches.

1594 Willobie his Auisa xlvii. f. 43^v Apply her still with dyuers thinges.

1846 W. H. Medhurst tr. Shoo King iv. 143 Tae-këĕ wished to live dissolutely and follow corrupt habits, but E-yun spied his incipient desires, and therefore applied him with these exhortations.

†IV. To bend, conform, or adapt to.

19.

a. intransitive. To comply, submit, hearken, consent to. Also with infinitive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > consent > [verb (intransitive)]

consent?c1225

assent1297

vouchsafe13..

choosec1330

grant1340

to be consentedc1386

to be covined1393

apply1419

condescend1477

agreea1533

acconsent1560

acclaim1620

comply1672

1419 Guildhall Let.-bk. in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 80 (MED) He wolde naught applie nor accorde to right and reson.

a1500 Partenay (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5313 Non durste hys heste breke, but to him apply.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. Prol. f. ii^v The Scottes that neuer coude apply To kepe theyr Allegeaunce.

?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 827 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 83 Onto owr prayers thow hast applyed.

1544 J. Bale Brefe Chron. Syr I. Oldecastell sig. F^v To these and all soche other will I my selfe with all power possyble applye.

a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) iv. v. sig. G.ij To bee his wife I ne graunt nor apply.

1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 136/2 If she would apply to his request, she shoulde be..set at liberty.

b. transitive. To incline (one's mind, will, etc.) compliantly to (also unto). Also reflexive: to conform oneself; to comply, be subservient to (also unto). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > consent > consent or comply [verb (reflexive)]

seema1300

consent1340

submita1387

endeigna1400

agree1421

greec1440

apply1482

condescend1489

society > authority > subjection > obedience > obey or be obedient to [verb (transitive)] > apply (one's mind or self) obediently

apply1482

1482 Coventry Leet Bk. 506 In tyme paste..they were euer conformable to euery mocion..& applied their willes therunto.

1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) i. xxxvi. f. xxix As he wylle that shal be done, we shal applye vs fully withoute ayenseynge.

1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. xxix^v Priamus his mynde wolde nat aply To the counseyll of Cassandra.

1533 Anne Boleyn's Fort. in F. J. Furnivall Ballads from MSS I. 406 Wholy applyinge himselfe to the Kings humour.

1638 R. Brathwait Surv. Hist. 90 The Acacians, who by complying with the Emperour, and applying themselves to his pleasure, justly gained the name of Iovinians.

1640 R. Brathwait Ar't Asleepe Husband? 4 Ever ready to bend her will, and apply her affection to the mould of Man.

1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie iii. sig. Aaab Applying themselves unto the times, they were alwaies favourable to the strongest.

20.

a. intransitive. To be adaptable or suitable; to be suited to. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)]

turnc1175

stretcha1225

bowc1275

steer1399

straighta1400

ready?a1425

purposec1425

address1436

applya1450

shape1480

make1488

aima1500

bound1821

the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)]

fayc1300

sita1393

applya1450

fadec1475

frame?1518

agree1534

compete?1541

fadge1578

suit1589

apt1596

suit1601

quadrate1670

gee1699

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxvii. 141 Wenges that lyhtly wolde folde And Aplyen to his flyht.

a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxxiii. 296 Al manere of delicasye That to ony Mannes wyt May Applye.

1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos i. sig. A.iij^v Be bolde, & harden now your selfes, take ease when ease applise.

1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor iv. iv. sig. Nii Haber. Nay faith Sir, the Hat's as good as any man i' this towne can serue you. And will maintaine Fashion as long, ne're trust me for a groat else. Fung. Do's it apply well to my sute?

1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor ii. ii. 229 Would it apply well to the veruensie of your affection, That another should [etc.].

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Xx2^v The precedent state, or disposition, vnto which we do apply .

b. transitive. To adapt, adjust, suit (a person or thing) to. Chiefly reflexive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > adaptability to circumstances > adapt to circumstances [verb (reflexive)]

applya1500

apt1545

lend1854

adjust1874

reorient1914

reorientate1914

fit1919

a1500 (a1470) in C. Monro Lett. Margaret of Anjou (1863) 125 Ye, of wilfulnesse..not havyng regarde unto the said contract, wol not applie you, ne condescende, unto the said mariage.

1560 W. Painter tr. W. Fulke Antiprognosticon sig. Cvi Mercurius..is also vnstable & inconstant, applying himself to euery company, for with the good, he is also good, and with the euill, agreable in qualitie with theim.

1574 A. Golding tr. A. Marlorat Catholike Expos. Reuelation 3 God applieth himselfe not a little vnto our affections.

1605 Faire Maide Bristow sig. E i.^v Aplie thy speech proud woman to the place, Speake reuerently in presence of the King.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. D4 They fayle sometimes in applying themselves to particular persons.

a1631 J. Donne 50 Serm. (1649) xxv. 216 It was his own opinion, that the Sacrament might be administred in prisons, and in private houses; but because he found the Church of Geneva, of another opinion..he applied himself to them and departed..from his own opinion.

1670 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron Wisdome (new ed.) iii. xxxvi. 508 That it [sc. the soul] apply not it self to sensible objects, but that it rather accommodate them unto it self.

†V. To make ready.

21. transitive and intransitive. To make ready, prepare. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)]

yarec888

yarkc1000

graithc1175

readya1225

biredienc1275

to make yarec1290

forgraitha1300

adightc1330

buskc1330

purveyc1330

agraith1340

disposec1375

before-graithea1382

to forge and filec1381

to make readya1382

devisec1385

bounc1390

buss?a1400

address?a1425

parel?a1425

to get upc1425

providec1425

prepare1449

bakec1450

aready1470

arm?a1505

prevenea1522

get?1530

to get ready1530

to set in readiness1575

apply1577

compose1612

predy1627

make1637

to dispose of1655

do1660

fallowa1764

to line up1934

prep1936

tee1938

1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. iv. xv. 66 Alle thinges necessarily required for the execution were applyed.

1609 Bible (Douay) I. Hosea vii. 6 They haue applied their hart as an ouen.

1638 T. Heywood Wise Woman iv. i. sig. G3^v Apply thou, that shall be tride.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	apply
释义	applyn. Brit. /əˈplʌɪ/, U.S. /əˈplaɪ/ Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: apply v. Etymology: < apply v. In sense 1 apparently by association with ply n. †1. Condition, state, ply. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > [noun] > physical or external condition statec1300 apply1669 1669 Hist. Sir Eger 37 They found him in a good apply, Both hay and corn, and bread him by. †2. The action of bringing one thing to bear on another; application. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [noun] > studious care or diligence yernfulnesseOE swinkfulnessOE diligencec1374 applying?c1430 diligencya1513 diligentness1530 sedulity1542 application1543 assiduity1605 sedulousness1622 navity1623 assiduousness1637 intention1638 apply1681 perdiligence1694 painstakingness1917 1681 S. Colvil Mock Poem 68 On singulars we will not harp, For the apply will be to sharp. 1681 London Gaz. mdcliv. 2/1 We envy much their more early Apply. 3. A formal request or petition for something; an application.Apparently not found in British usage. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > [noun] > formal request or petition rogation1598 supplicat1660 memorial1697 placit1822 apply1997 1997 Business Day (S. Afr.) 13 Oct. 4/3 The support of one third of the National Assembly is needed to make an apply to the court for an order declaring all or part of an act unconstitutional. 2002 Chicago Daily Herald (Nexis) 29 Nov. 3 Carpentersville residents have until the end of the business day Tuesday to submit an apply for the village trustee seat. 2004 Cairns (Queensland) Post (Nexis) 29 Oct. 9 Cairns families have only one week left to apply to lodge an apply for adoption. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online December 2021). applyv. Brit. /əˈplʌɪ/, U.S. /əˈplaɪ/ Forms: Middle English apploye, Middle English–1500s aplye, Middle English–1500s applye, Middle English–1600s aplie, Middle English–1600s aply, Middle English–1600s applie, Middle English– apply, late Middle English apploie (in a late copy), 1500s applise (3rd singular present indicative), 1500s–1600s applide (past tense); Scottish pre-1700 aply, pre-1700 applay, pre-1700 applie, pre-1700 apploy, pre-1700 applye, pre-1700 1700s– apply. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French applier. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman applier, apllier, aplier to apply, use (something), (in law) to attach (to oneself), to conform, bend (to) (also used reflexively), to land, make land, (of a ship) to moor, tie up (all 14th cent. or earlier; 12th cent. in reflexive use) and Middle French applier to provide support (1357), to land (1312 in Old French; compare also Old French s'aplier to submit oneself (late 12th or early 13th cent.), apleier to apply, employ (13th cent.), aploier to engage, apply (13th cent.)) < classical Latin applicāre to bring into contact, to place near to, to lead, drive, bring, to bring (a ship to a destination), to land, to add in speech or writing, to bring to bear, to assign, set, to devote oneself (to), to accommodate, adapt, in post-classical Latin also to put to a special use or purpose (frequently from 13th cent. in British sources), to administer (a remedy) (1363 in Chauliac) < ap- ap- prefix¹ + plicāre to fold (see plicate v.). The semantic development of the English word was probably also affected by association with Anglo-Norman appliquer, applicer, applikier to attach, tie (14th cent. or earlier), to use (15th cent. or earlier) and Middle French appliquier, Middle French, French appliquer to use (for a particular purpose), to put into practice, to attribute (to), (reflexive) to adapt (oneself to) (all 13th cent. in Old French), to land (c1300), a later (learned) reborrowing of classical Latin applicāre . Compare applique v.¹, ply v.²Compare Old Occitan aplicar to fasten (late 12th cent.), to land (1314), to apply (c1350; Occitan aplicar ; compare also Old Occitan apleyar (13th cent.)), Catalan aplegar to collect, summon, to apply, attach (13th cent.), to land (14th cent.), to arrive (15th cent.), aplicar to apply, devote (14th cent.), Spanish †aplegar , allegar to approach, touch (10th cent. as aplekar ), aplegar to assemble (1189), to arrive, to devote (c1200), to reach, touch, to associate with (c1250), allegar to attribute (c1196), to reach, to approach, to arrive, to assemble (13th cent.), aplicar to apply, to assemble, collect (14th cent.), Portuguese aplicar to apply (15th cent.), Italian applicare to apply (1312). The sense development in French may have been affected by association with plier ply v.¹ On the development of the stem form appli- in French see note at ply v.¹ With the sense development in Branch II. compare also accost v., address v. I. To put a thing into practical contact with another. * To connect one thing with another physically, and related senses. 1. †a. transitive. To bring (persons) together, to assemble. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > arrangement or fact of being arranged > state of being gathered together > gather together [verb (transitive)] > assemble (people or animals) gathera975 samOE flockc1275 assemble1297 ensemblea1300 sanka1300 semblea1325 applyc1384 minga1400 resemble1477 suma1500 congregatea1513 amass1573 troopa1592 convene1596 to scum together1596 conventicle1597 rally1603 entroop1609 rustle1883 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) Dan. xi. 34 Ful many shuln be applied [L. applicabuntur], or putt to, to hem gylfully. a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Num. xvi. 5 The Lord..schal applie [L. applicabit] to hym hooli men. a1425 (a1382) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) 1 Kings xiv. 38 Aplieth hidir [1388 Brynge ȝe hidur; L. applicate huc] alle the corners of the puple. b. transitive. To bring into, or place in, more or less prolonged contact, or effective proximity; to put close to; to place (a flame, heat, a measuring instrument, etc.) in immediate proximity to. Formerly also: to fasten, to stick. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > nearness > be near to [verb (transitive)] > be in contact with > bring into contact with touchc1300 applya1398 applique1558 appose1593 contact1834 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. v. xxiii. 212 A frogge haþ propir voys, and his tonge is aplyed to the mouþ tofore. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/1 I applye one thyng to another, Je applicque. Applye them togyther, and than you shall se there is a great difference. 1581 J. Maplet Diall Destiny f. 66 In theyr coursing they [sc. Hares] apply their eares fast and flat to their backes. a1634 W. Austin Devotionis Augustinianæ Flamma (1635) 177 Thomas applyed Christ to himselfe by touching. 1677 R. Hooke Lampas 6 To this Wick thus filled with Oyl apply the flame of a Lamp or Candle, or any other substance extremely hot. 1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. i. 769 Each to his Lips apply'd the nectar'd Urn. 1797 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 87 9 If..the person applies a convex glass to one eye only. 1854 J. Scoffern in Orr's Circle Sci., Chem. Chem. 333 On applying heat to the retort. 1855 ‘F. Fern’ Ruth Hall xlvii. 181 Hark! a muffled noise from the cradle! Mr. Skiddy started, and applied his toe vigorously to the rocker. 1874 J. Lubbock Orig. & Metamorphoses Insects i. 18 The head is applied against the breast. 1922 J. Joyce Ulysses 456 He applies his handkerchief to his mouth. 1930 Jrnl. Iron & Steel Inst. 122 542 Welded-on overlays..have been applied to drill bits and other tools to combat abrasion. 1967 J. N. Barron Lang. of Painting 118 Gummed paper tape applied to the canvas as a mask or stencil in order to obtain clean sharp edges. 2006 New Yorker 23 Oct. 71/3 Drip irrigation..applies minimal amounts of water directly to the roots of crops. c. transitive. Geometry. To place or construct (a line, figure, etc.) in contact with another. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > geometry > form or represent geometrically [verb (transitive)] > construct or manipulate geometric object to pull out?a1560 apply1570 coapt1570 quadrate1623 raise1647 join1660 range1670 project1673 rabat1868 unsquare1872 1570 H. Billingsley in tr. Euclid Elements Geom. f. 55 If the angle geuen be an obtuse or an acute angle, then shall the parallelograme applied be a Rhombus or diamond figure. 1660 tr. I. Barrow Euclide's Elements i. 7 The parts of the one being applyed to the parts of the other. 1695 W. Alingham Geom. Epitomiz'd 12 A right line is said to be applied in a Circle, when the ends thereof fall upon the circumference. 1702 J. Harris New Short Treat. Algebra 48 On d the longest Leg of the Triangle given, describe a Semicircle, and in it apply c the other Leg. 1785 W. Ludlam Rudim. Math. i. 155 To the side LM, apply another parallelogram LMNP, equal to the triangle AEB. 1862 I. Todhunter Elem. Euclid i. iv If the triangle ABC be applied to DEF so that the point A may be on D. 1972 M. Kline Math. Thought iv. 74 That parallelogram is greatest which is applied to the half of the straight line and is similar to the defect. d. transitive. To bring (a physical force or influence) to bear upon a thing; to cause to act upon at a particular point or place. ΚΠ 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Power, in Mechanics, a Force, which being apply'd to a Machine, tends to produce Motion. 1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. I. 187 The melting furnace is designed for applying the greatest force of heat to the most fixed bodies, such as metals and earths. 1807 T. Young Course Lect. Nat. Philos. I. vii. 66 If the force be applied obliquely, it may always be imagined to act at the end of a lever equal in length to the perpendicular let fall from the fulcrum in the direction of the force. 1903 J. J. Thomson Conduction Electr. through Gases ii. 21 If we..apply a strong electric field between the plates. 1922 J. Joyce Ulysses 653 He..raised the latch of the area door..and by leverage of the first kind applied at its fulcrum gained retarded access to the kitchen. 1998 New Scientist 14 Nov. 12/2 Higuchi and his colleagues apply a 50-megahertz electric field to a piezoelectric lithium niobate crystal. 2002 M. Vable Mech. of Materials iii. 136 If we raise the temperature before we apply the force P on the specimen. e. transitive. To stick on or sew (a decorative piece of fabric), to trim or ornament with appliqué; (also) to decorate (fabric, etc.) with appliqué. Also in extended use in metalwork, etc. ΘΚΠ the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > sewing or ornamenting textile fabric > sew or ornament textile fabric [verb (transitive)] > other pink1486 gore1548 apply1851 cord1870 tuft1884 1851 Harper's Mag. Dec. 144/2 There are at this season few articles included in the category of ladies' costume to which a trimming of velvet may not be applied. 1873 Littell's Living Age 1 Nov. 292/1 At first sight, one thinks the patches are applied. 1880 E. Glaister Needlework v. 49 The heraldic figures..are applied in white cloth. 1882 S. F. A. Caulfeild & B. C. Saward Dict. Needlework 12/1 The foundation was generally muslin, and the net applied or let in. 1901 Westm. Gaz. 14 Mar. 4/2 Everything is applied with insertions or cut-out flowers and figures of lace. 1962 Times 1 Dec. 11/5 The patches are applied individually where required for decoration on a solid fabric ground. 1969 Guardian 1 July 9/2 Mirror-work is a traditional Indian craft which looks enchanting..densely applied to a gipsy-type waistcoat or belt. 1980 S. Hazzard Transit of Venus i. xi. 75 Her pupils insensate as the bronze discs applied as eyes to ancient statues. 1990 Orientations Apr. 77/1 Each of the slightly concave sides was applied with a snarling animal mask. 2001 P. Cox & M. M. Gordon Amer. Quilt Classics (2004) 161 In some quilts the baskets themselves are patchwork, and the items they contain..are applied. 2. a. transitive. To place or spread (an ointment, remedy, dressing, etc.) on the skin or other body surface. In later use also: to administer (a treatment). ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > [verb (transitive)] > administer (treatment) administer?a1425 apply?a1425 ministera1475 adhibit1543 administrate1595 exhibit1601 the mind > possession > supply > provide or supply (something) [verb (transitive)] affordOE findOE purveyc1300 chevise1340 ministera1382 upholda1417 supply1456 suppeditate1535 perfurnishc1540 previse1543 subminister1576 tend1578 fourd1581 instaurate1583 to find out1600 suffice1626 subministrate1633 affurnisha1641 apply1747 to stump up1833 to lay on1845 to come up with1858 ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 25^v (MED) Water & acete medled in fourme potable & with a sponge applied. ?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 90 (MED) Take þe whytes of eyren..& be þay applyed i. laide to wiþ herdes & clowtes. ?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens iv. sig. Oij Wherfore are horse leaches applyed? 1597 W. Langham Garden of Health 459 Apply the iuice to any wound. 1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. iii. 37 Ile apply your eye, gentle louer, remedy. View more context for this quotation 1694 W. Salmon tr. Y. van Diemerbroeck Anat. Human Bodies (new ed.) ii. 54 Hot Fomentations were apply'd, of hot Herbs boil'd in Wine, adding thereto Spirit of Wine; but to little purpose. 1747 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1851) V. 93 The most speedy Remedy, which..is not in our Power to Apply. 1793 Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. 3 p. xix Lizard-tail, bruised and applied as a poultice to sore and impostumate breasts will ripen and heal them. 1806–31 A. Knox Remains (1844) I. 45 Such palliatives as it is fully in his..power to apply. 1883 Amer. Naturalist 17 123 She ought to have pressed affectionately the hand that cut the hair from off the region of her little stomach and gently applied a mustard plaster.., but instead, she bit it. 1903 N. S. Mayo Care of Animals 99 In the early stages of the quittor, pull off the shoe and apply a good poultice. 1967 Times 20 Jan. 8/4 They applied artificial respiration and external heart massage to keep the brain alive while the freezing process went on. 2006 Burns 32 212/1 A traditional tie-over dressing may be applied to support the take of the skin-graft. b. transitive. To lay or spread (esp. a soft or liquid substance, as paint, ink, etc.) on to a surface. ΚΠ 1738 E. Chambers Cycl. (ed. 2) at Empasting A Term used in painting, for the laying on of colours, thick and bold, or applying several lays of colours, so as they may appear thick. 1822 Specif. Patent No. 4640 Applegath 2 Applying the ink to..plates, or blocks. 1904 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. 135/2 Pigment..will spread when thinned to a consistency suitable for being applied with a brush. 1951 Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.) 23 Aug. 13/1 Apply lipstick in the morning, before starting to work around the house. 2003 Time Out N.Y. 27 Feb. 68/4 The artist applies the paint with his fingers to achieve the desired effect. 3. †a. intransitive. To come into contact, join itself, attain to. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) v. pr. iv. l. 4660 Þe moeuynge of þe resoun of mankynde ne may nat moeuen to, þat is to sein applien or ioygnen to þe simplicite of þe deuyne prescience. b. intransitive. To adhere, stick to; to be in close contact; to fit closely. Also figurative. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > distance > nearness > be near [verb (intransitive)] > be in contact meet?a1300 touch?c1425 apply?a1439 abut1492 abut1826 contact1876 a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) vii. l. 694 (MED) Euery vice to othir doth applie. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/2 I applye or cleave..as glue dothe to a tree or thynges that be glued, Je adhers. 1693 A. Moulen in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 17 624 This Sand did apply to the Magnet. 1721 E. Ward Merry Travellers: Pt. I 10 From hence I lug'd my honest Friend, Who on a Post some time had lean'd, To take a little Nap, whilst I Apply'd unto the Wall hard by. 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §121 The manner in which it [sc. the building] was to apply to the rock. a1805 J. Robison Syst. Mech. Philos. (1822) II. 620 This [ring] is drawn in above the leather..and causes it to apply to the side of the pipe all around. 1844 Mechanics' Mag. 6 Apr. 238/1 In the case of bearings which have shoulders applying to the side surfaces of the box. 1871 Scribner's Monthly Apr. 622/2 The mouth..consists of..one to four bristle-formed lancets, which..apply to each other so accurately as to form an air-tight tube. 1978 T. Hughes Cave Birds 58 A leaf of the earth Applies to it, a cooling health. ** To connect one thing with another by use or reference. 4. transitive. To connect (something abstract) with (a person or thing) as its attribute or cause; to refer, ascribe, attribute. With to, unto. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > inhere in or be an attribute of [verb (transitive)] > attribute or ascribe as an attribute puta1382 applya1393 suppose?a1425 ascribec1475 attach?1531 attribute1533 adscribe1534 assign?1541 allude1561 repose1561 predicate1614 a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vii. 1100 Unto this Signe [sc. Virgo] is Augst applied. c1450 (a1400) Orologium Sapientiæ in Anglia (1888) 10 329 Wisdam is proprelye applyede to þe sone. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/2 I applye or assyne the cause of a mater to a persone, Jattribue: I applye the cause herof to the malyce of Saturne. 1697 Great Necessity & Advantage Preserving Manufacturies 2 The Author of a Pamphlet..applies the cause of this difference wholly to the mistaken Prejudices of those, who..don't know where to fix the reason of their misery by the Decrease of their Trade. 1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 24 Thus Wit, like Faith, by each Man is apply'd To one small Sect, and All are damn'd beside. 1737 W. Whiston tr. Josephus Antiq. Jews viii. x, in tr. Josephus Genuine Wks. 255 God sent Shishak, King of Egypt, to punish them... Concerning whom Herodotus was mistaken, and applied his actions to Sesostris. 1842 E. H. Lindo tr. R. M. Ben Israel Conciliator II. ii. 163 You cannot say it was accidental, and apply these events to your idols. 2004 C. D. Meletis & J. E. Barker Herbs & Nutrients for Mind i. 68 Conventional medicine applies the cause of dementia to specific conditions of the brain. 5. transitive. To put to a special use or purpose; to devote, appropriate to. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > use for specific purpose bestowc1315 lay1340 putc1390 apply1395 usea1398 applicate?a1425 deputec1425 explay1552 employ1553 consecrate1555 implya1625 sacrate1653 consign1700 devote1703 to give up1885 Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) (1851) 22 (MED) Such a preest wole..applie tho [funds] to riche prestis or ipocritis religious, that han more than nedith to hem. c1435 J. Lydgate Stans Puer (Bodl. 686) f. 187 Þe best musselye..Hole to þiselue alway do not applie. a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 123 (MED) Pondage and tonnage..aught to be applied only to þe kepynge off the see. 1588 T. Hariot Briefe Rep. Virginia sig. B2 Seeing there is so much ground whereof some may well be applyed to such purposes. 1637 T. Heywood Pleasant Dialogues & Dramma's 207 It is ridiculous in the maide longing for marriage, to wrest the law, and apply it unto her owne purpose. 1668 A. Marvell Let. 22 Feb. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 66 The Poll mony hath likewise been applyd to the use of the warre. 1726 Ess. Ways & Means Advancement of Trade 4 Supposing, we shall not be hindered..to apply these Funds to the Uses they were intended for. 1770 H. Kelly Word to Wise i. i. 14 Sir George we are certain will do good with his fortune—whereas had it been possessed by my boy,—how am I sure that it wou'd not be applied to very different purposes. 1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §146 Having procured a carpenter to be applied to that purpose. 1848 J. S. Mill Princ. Polit. Econ. v. v. §1 The act of directing industry to a particular employment is described by the phrase ‘applying capital’ to the employment. 1880 Sir W. Hart Dyke in Standard 29 Nov. As a rule we do not apply money to bye-elections. 1937 L. M. Fraser Econ. Thought & Lang. xii. 209 How to apply labour to material resources so as to yield the desired product. 1960 J. A. Garraty Right-hand Man ix. 177 Through his highly informal personal bookkeeping arrangements, Perkins applied the money to the credit of the fund. 2004 9/11 Comm. Rep. (National Comm. Terrorist Attacks U.S.) iii. 76 The [FBI] field offices did not apply significant resources to terrorism. 6. a. transitive. To bring (a rule, a test, a principle, etc.) into contact with facts; to bring to bear practically; to put into practical operation. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)] > exercise or put into practice (principle or quality) kithec1330 usec1330 apply1395 execute14.. in urec1420 exercisea1513 to put into (also in) practice1553 reduce1581 to make practice of1623 exsert1665 exert1682 the world > relative properties > relationship > relevance or pertinence > [verb (transitive)] > apply or bring to bear apply1395 move?a1425 Remonstr. against Romish Corruptions (Titus) (1851) 45 These principlis vndirstonden weiwardli, and applied blasfemeli to a synful man, sith these acorden generali to God aloone that mai not erre, confounden othir sheenden holi chirche in erthe. 1531 tr. E. Fox et al. Determinations Moste Famous Vniuersities v. f. 100 That is done by a iudge, applyenge the vniuersall & fyrste rule of generall iustice, to some particuler matter. 1584 T. Cogan Hauen of Health ccxlii. 259 These precepts..must bee applyed particularly to euerie mans owne estate. 1655 S. Fisher Love-token for Mourners 143 Earthly Judges even through Ignorance, do mistake in applying the Rule, but God cannot. 1685 W. Sherlock Vindic. Rights Eccl. Authority ii. 143 Which shews the great judgment of our Church in applying this Rule to one case, and not to the other. 1754 Bp. T. Sherlock Disc. (1759) I. i. 35 The Difficulty is, how to apply this Rule. 1809 S. T. Coleridge Friend 12 Oct. 142 The Principles which our Understandings are to apply. 1859 Ecce Homo iv. 29 By applying practical tests. 1930 C. W. Davies Conductivity of Solutions i. 12 Ostwald's dilution law breaks down completely when it is applied to solutions of the common salts. 1965 A. J. P. Taylor Eng. Hist. 1914–45 286 His ideas would have had to be applied by civil servants and industrialists who had no faith in them. 2000 Amer. Prospect 6 Nov. 34/2 The Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life..attempts to apply the principles of Torah to the preservation of the planet. b. intransitive. To have a practical bearing upon something; to have valid or suitable reference to. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > relevance or pertinence > [verb (intransitive)] belimpOE beholda1067 belielOE pertaina1325 pendc1330 appendc1386 appertainc1386 holdc1430 pretenda1470 recorda1500 depend1525 extenda1533 inherea1628 to make to ——1645 apply1741 1741 Information for Mr. John McKye of Palgowan 26 The same Observation applies to the other Case. 1790 W. Paley Horæ Paulinæ i. 3 This test applies to every supposition. 1851 F. D. Maurice Prophets & Kings 18 This observation applies to Saul's history. 1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 95 It will apply no less to our own case. 1889 J. S. Farmer Americanisms 354/1 The title of Marm School has been perpetuated in cases where the idea of inefficiency..no longer applies. 1901 Daily Chron. 29 May 3/7 A machine-driven vehicle naturally needs restrictions that do not apply to horse-driven vehicles. 1961 M. Spark Prime of Miss Jean Brodie v. 146 She is above the common moral code, it does not apply to her. 2002 New Statesman 18 Feb. 26/2 Pederasty is perceived to be evil because children are not able to give informed consent... Foxes are not children, but the same principle applies. 7. transitive. To bring (an action, etc., now esp. some kind of force) to bear upon a person, in order to produce a moral, emotional, or spiritual effect; to administer. Usually with to. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > cause to operate [verb (transitive)] > put in effective operation yieldc1315 underbear1382 to put forthc1390 showa1398 apply?c1400 to put outc1400 exercisec1405 to put toc1410 employ?1473 enforce1490 exerce1535 adhibit?1538 addict1562 endeavour?1575 work1591 address1598 to give stream to?1611 to lay out1651 exsert1665 exert1682 c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 441 God hym selfe heris hit, and applies þis prayere to profite of þe man. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. xii. sig. Aa3 To Guyon..Their pleasaunt tunes they sweetly thus applyde. 1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts ii. 5 I..can onely apply unto you the outward signe of Baptism. 1647 T. Fuller Cause Wounded Conscience vi. 37 To apply comfort to him who is not..ready for it. 1733 T. Ridgley Body of Divinity II. 8/1 Christ..will certainly apply the redemption, which he has purchas'd, to all. 1796 J. Bentham Managem. Poor xxi. 110 Doubts would be started—whether it would be advisable to apply such constant and unremitting pressure to the tender mind. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. v. 502 They applied coercion to the English resident. 1869 A. Trollope Phineas Finn I. xviii. 147 It only shows how far a man may be made to go, if only the proper force be applied. 1902 Times 15 Apr. 5/3 The water cure torture was applied..to the Presidente of Igbaras. 1918 W. E. Weyl End of War 7 It was difficult for him (or us) to apply coercion to friends and Allies. 2004 H. Kennedy Just Law (2005) iii. 83 Pressure applied by party functionaries to get the government business through parliament. 8. transitive. To give to (a general, theoretical, or figurative statement) a specific reference to a particular instance; to use as relative or suitable to, †unto. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > relevance or pertinence > [verb (transitive)] > apply apply?a1425 to go for ——1914 ?a1425 in P. Gradon Eng. Wycliffite Serm. (1988) II. 330 Wordis..whuche semeþ beste þus to ben applyed. a1475 (a1447) O. Bokenham Mappula Angliae in Englische Studien (1887) 10 13 To þe facundite þer-of mow welle been applyed þese verse of Virgyle. 1509 Bp. J. Fisher Wks. (1876) 289 Which dyalogue I wolde applye vnto this noble prynces. 1572 J. Bridges tr. R. Gwalther Hundred, Threescore & Fiftene Homelyes vppon Actes Apostles xiii. 547 Let vs therfore apply to our selues that which Paule sayth in this place. 1659 J. Pearson Expos. Apostles Creed v. 464 The Apostle repeated the words of the Psalmist, and then applied them. 1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones IV. xi. ix. 180 To apply all this to the Bœotian Writers. View more context for this quotation 1766 J. Fordyce Serm. Young Women II. xi. 248 I leave you to apply the remark. 1853 F. W. Robertson Serm. 3rd Ser. xvii. 218 Two ways in which this deep truth applies itself. 1863 G. Steward Mediatorial Sovereignty I. ii. xiii. 460 It is surely legitimate to apply this statement to the case before us. 1932 W. Faulkner Light in August 455 How false the most profound book turns out to be when applied to life. 1951 G. Katona Psychol. Anal. Econ. Behavior xi. 244 This statement is applied both to production and investment decisions. 2000 Russ. Rev. 59 418 No historian of Russia would have difficulty applying these words to tsarist policy towards the villages. 9. transitive. To put to use, employ; to spend, dispose of. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] noteOE take?a1160 turnc1175 usec1300 to fare witha1340 benote1340 spenda1400 usea1400 weara1400 naitc1400 occupy1423 to put (also set) in work?a1425 practise?c1430 apply1439 employ?1473 to call upon ——1477 help1489 tew1489 handle1509 exercise1526 improvea1529 serve1538 feed1540 enure1549 to make (also take) (a) use of1579 wield1601 adoperate1612 to avail oneself ofa1616 to avail oneself ofa1616 prevail1617 to make practice of1623 ploy1675 occasion1698 to call on ——1721 subserve1811 nuse1851 utilize1860 1439–40 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1439 §61. m. 1 Where it liketh you..for the defense of this your noble reaume, to applie and dispende divers notables sommes of the revenues of youre corone. c1503 R. Arnold Chron. f. Cvij^v Whether ony executor..applye or appropir ony thing of the goodis of the deed man. a1533 Ld. Berners tr. A. de Guevara Golden Bk. M. Aurelius (1546) sig. C [He] hadde applied the moste parte of his lyfe in warre. 1613 I. F. Christes Bloodie Sweat 35 Whiles thus his iolly time he doth apply, One sayes that he within an hower must die. 1633 Declar. Charles I conc. Lawfull Sports sig. B2^v When shall the common people have leaue to exercise, if not upon the Sundayes, & holydaies, seeing they must apply their labour, & win their liuing in all working daies? 1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 485. ⁋2 Knife or a pistol, if he finds stomach to apply them. 1774 G. Colman Man of Business v. 75 He has made free to borrow the money left in his hands indeed: but then he has applied all that he could command of his own into the bargain. 1812 Examiner 28 Sept. 620/1 Those resources the kingdom should economically apply. 1832 H. Martineau Life in Wilds ii. 28 They know how to apply their labour. 1907 C. Urban Cinematograph 29 Dr. Doyen..has for the past ten years applied cinematography to record rare and difficult surgical operations. 1910 J. London Burning Daylight i. vi. 61 He applied wit and skill and strength; but behind it all was the everlasting Luck. 1969 R. Salerno & J. S. Tompkins Crime Confederation 102 He must now apply his recruiting talents to get the right people for the job. 2002 Time 16 Sept. 47/3 Crest bought the firm..and, by applying its marketing and distribution muscle, has turned it into a $200 million category killer. 10. transitive. To make use of (a word, a name, a description, etc.) in special reference, or so as to attribute a specific character or description, to (also unto) something or someone. Also intransitive: to have specific reference to. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > mean, signify, express [verb (transitive)] tokenc888 meaneOE sayOE bequeathc1175 signifya1382 beara1400 bemeana1400 soundc1400 designc1429 applyc1450 betoken1502 express1526 conveya1568 intend1572 carry1584 denotate1597 pronounce1610 to set out1628 implya1640 speak1645 denote1668 designate1741 describe1808 enunciate1859 read1894 c1450 J. Capgrave Solace of Pilgrims (Bodl. 423) 162 Þerfor þe cherch applieth þis langage on to martires, seying þat..þei are worthi þe palma, þat is to sey to be clepid uictores. c1487 J. Skelton tr. Diodorus Siculus Bibliotheca Historica i. 19 And somme saye that the sonne vnto hym hath a name applyed of a skynne of celestial variete for the dyuersite of heuenly sterris. 1534 W. Marshall tr. Erasmus Playne & Godly Expos. Commune Crede f. 170 The more often and commune vse hath applied this word [sc. adultery] to the breakyng and violatynge of wedlocke by the vnlawfull fleshely dealyng of man and woman to gether. 1628 E. Coke 1st Pt. Inst. Lawes Eng. 121/2 Regardant..is..only applyed to a villeine. 1690 J. Locke Ess. Humane Understanding iii. x. 249 He that applies the Words..to Ideas, different from those, to which the common use..applies them. 1716 H. Stebbing Postscript Charge of Heresy 29 The Scripture does constantly apply the Phrase baptized with the Holy Ghost, to such Persons as were endued with the extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost. 1775 J. Adair Hist. Amer. Indians 45 They apply the word heart, only to animate beings. 1813 H. Davy Elements Agric. Chem. iv. 175 The term sandy..should never be applied to any soil that does not contain at least ⁷/ ₈ of sand. 1858 O. W. Holmes Autocrat of Breakfast-table viii. 219 Rum I take to be the name which unwashed moralists apply alike to the product distilled from molasses and the noblest juices of the vineyard. 1877 W. Lytteil Landmarks Sc. Life & Lang. i. i. 17 The word fell is applied to rocky heights, peaks, and cliffs. 1915 A. S. Neill Dominie's Log vii. 79 The phrase ‘born in sin’ is still applied to an illegitimate child. 1955 F. G. Ashbrook Butchering vii. 107 The term ‘mutton’, as commonly used commercially, applies to the flesh of older sheep. 2004 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 18 Nov. 11/2 The same US government that resisted the use of the ‘g word’ in Rwanda is today applying the word to Darfur. †11. transitive. To connect with by association of similarity, compare, liken. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] comparison1340 likena1382 figure1393 compare1447 comparagea1450 comparate?a1475 assemble1483 apply?1532 assimile1547 configurate1582 resemble1590 guise1606 similize1620 assimilate1630 approacha1649 consimilate1716 ?1532 T. Elyot tr. Plutarch Educ. Children (new ed.) ii. sig. Aiv^v So (in bringinge vp of youre children) ye shall applie & resemble to the moulde your childrens nature, to the ploughman, their instructour or maister to the sede, Instruction of lernynge & preceptes. 1588 H. Oldcastle & J. Mellis Briefe Instr. Accompts sig. Biij A marchant may be applied vnto Argus. 1661 J. Tatham Lond. Tryumphs 21 My woes may aptly be apply'd to theirs That lost their King. 1670 H. Thorndike in G. Whitehead Popish Informer Reprehended 18 All such Debauchery, and ungodly Practises..we utterly deny and abhor, they more suit the Spirit of many of his own Fraternity, who..more justly might be compared and applied unto them who are possest with the Spirit of Whoredom. II. To direct a ship, one's course, oneself, one's words to. †12. a. intransitive (a) To land, arrive; (b) to steer, proceed, take oneself off, go; (Astrology) to approach in conjunction or aspect. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (intransitive)] thinkeOE bowa1000 seta1000 scritheOE minlOE turnc1175 to wend one's wayc1225 ettlec1275 hieldc1275 standc1300 to take (the) gatec1330 bear?c1335 applyc1384 aim?a1400 bend1399 hita1400 straighta1400 bounc1400 intendc1425 purposec1425 appliquec1440 stevenc1440 shape1480 make1488 steera1500 course1555 to make out1558 to make in1575 to make for ——a1593 to make forth1594 plyc1595 trend1618 tour1768 to lie up1779 head1817 loop1898 society > travel > aspects of travel > arrival > arrive [verb (intransitive)] to come toOE comeOE yworthOE lend11.. lightc1225 overtakec1225 redea1275 wina1300 'rivec1300 repaira1325 applyc1384 to come ina1399 arrivec1400 attainc1400 alightc1405 to come to handc1450 unto-comec1450 apport1578 to get through1589 reach1591 to be along1597 land1679 engage1686 to get in1863 to breeze in1930 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > reaching a point or place > reach a point or place [verb (intransitive)] > arrive comeOE to come to townOE yworthOE lend11.. lightc1225 to come anovenonc1275 wina1300 'rivec1300 repaira1325 applyc1384 to come ina1399 rede?a1400 arrivec1400 attainc1400 alightc1405 to come to handc1450 unto-comec1450 apport1578 to be along1597 to drop in1609 to come ona1635 to walk in1656 land1679 engage1686 to come along1734 to get in1863 to turn up1870 to fall in1900 to lob1916 to roll up1920 to breeze in1930 to rock up1975 c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Macc. iii. 42 The oost appliede [L. applicabant], or londide, at the coostis of hem. c1425 Bk. Found. St. Bartholomew's (1923) 62 (MED) A mane commynge home..with his shippe, chargid with wyne And applied at Londone. 1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) 1073 (MED) To the port of Brundusye they dede applye. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxi. 41 This schip to þe Roche gan Aplye. ?1511 Treat. Joseph of Armathy (de Worde) sig. A^v They applyed vnto londe in y^e same vessell whiche god had prouyded for theym. 1545 in State Papers Henry VIII (1830) I. 816 With the nexte fludde..we entend tapplye towardes Dover. 1565 in J. Bell Queen Elizabeth & Swedish Princess (1926) 64 To tourne and retourne, to featche the wynde (as they tearme yt) to applie and replie everie waie wherby we mighte atcheave the haven of Dover. a1654 N. Culpeper Treat. Aurum Potabile (1656) ii. ii. 103 The Moon so variously applyes, sometimes to this Star, and sometimes to that. 1662 R. Mathews Unlearned Alchymist (new ed.) §89. 146 A Woman taken sick of a violent Fever..presently applied to her Bed. 1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. v. 96 [He] then lets it go again, so that it swiftly applies to its first position. 1759 B. Martin Nat. Hist. Eng. I. 17 In such prodigious shoals do the Pilchards apply to the Cornish Coasts. 1819 J. Wilson Compl. Dict. Astrol. 10 Planets preceding apply to those that follow. 1819 J. Wilson Compl. Dict. Astrol. The ☽ is also said to be feral, when she is void of course, having separated from a planet, and applying to no other. b. transitive. To bring (a ship) to land; to direct or steer (a ship, her course, one's course, etc.). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct (one's course, steps, etc.) [verb (transitive)] stretcha1225 turnc1275 ready?a1400 seta1400 incline?c1400 apply?a1425 raika1500 rechec1540 make1548 address1554 frame1576 bend1579 to shape one's course1593 intend1596 tend1611 direct1632 steer1815 society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > direct or manage ship [verb (transitive)] > bring to land arrive?c1400 apply?a1425 ?a1425 (?a1350) T. Castleford Chron. (1996) I. 1682 Aliene men..Wer ryfen on hym, wyth gret navye, Hys power and hys landys to spye, Off hys regne in þe vtterest syd, Wyth so many schyppys, þai ware applied. 1576 Sir T. Smith in T. Wright Lett. Queen Elizabeth (1838) II. 33 To whether haven I shall applie my ship. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. iv. sig. P3^v To whom his course he hastily applide . View more context for this quotation 1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. i. 12 To a Groue at hand her steps applide. 1621 G. Sandys tr. Ovid First Five Bks. Metamorphosis v. 127 And o're the toyling Seas her course apply'd To Thebes. c. transitive. To go to, visit. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > visit a place seeeOE seek971 teemc1275 visitc1400 apply1510 vizy1535 1510 in I. S. Leadam Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) II. 69 All maner of Shippes applyeng the same porte owght..to charge and discharge att..Newcastell. ?1609 G. Chapman tr. Homer Twelue Bks. Iliads xi. 187 He applide each place so fast. d. transitive (reflexive). To direct oneself, make one's way (by ship or otherwise) to. Obsolete. ΚΠ a1618 W. Raleigh Observ. (1651) 45 Light things apply themselves upwards. 1635 T. Heywood Hierarchie Blessed Angells vii. 439 For if these Spirits, Places had assign'd..How could they then so suddenly be lifted Into the vpper Heav'ns? or thence apply Themselues to th' earth in twinkling of an eye? 1672 E. Borlase Farther Acct. Latham Spaw 6 in Latham Spaw Let such (as would drink these Waters) advise with their Physician, whether the Cause (for which they would apply themselves hither) be probable to be relieved here. 13. a. intransitive. To make an approach to (a person) for information or aid; to have recourse or make application to, to appeal to; to make a (formal) request for. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > to, of, or upon someone clepec825 cryc1290 to pray (one) of a boon1393 to call on ——a1400 to seek on (also upon)a1400 to call upon ——c1405 sue1405 supplicate1417 peala1425 labour1442 to make suit1447–8 supply1489 suit1526 appeal1540 apply1554 incalla1572 invocate1582 beg1600 palaver1859 1554 H. Hilarie Resurreccion of Masse sig. A vii To me therfore let all men applye If to come to glory they do intend. 1661 R. L'Estrange Relaps'd Apostate sig. B2 Kept from them, to whom they seemingly apply for Satisfaction. 1726 C. D'Anvers Craftsman (1727) ii. 14 By the Liberty of the Press I mean..an unreserved, discretionary power for every man to publish his thoughts..without being obliged to apply for a licence or privilege for so doing. 1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. I. ii. 121 The French king..applied to the parliament of Scotland. 1774 J. Bryant New Syst. (new ed.) I. 48 His temples were applied to as oracular. 1785 Times 24 Feb. 2/1 Mr. Colman has applied for a patent, which has been refused. 1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 120 A friend..to whom she resolved to apply in her distress. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 81 Exiles, who had come..to apply for succour. 1850 J. Shew Hydropathy (ed. 4) xiv. 267 Priessnitz never loses a patient in fever of any kind, provided he is applied to in season. 1861 H. A. Jacobs Incidents Life Slave Girl ii. 20 When grandmother applied to him for payment, he said the estate was insolvent, and the law prohibited payment. 1884 Graphic 23 Feb. 170/1 That Sir Wilfrid Lawson had turned ‘Bung’, and applied for a spirit licence. 1920 A. Carnegie Autobiogr. ix. 128 At a later date he..had applied for the right to use the Bessemer patents. 1936 R. S. Sibbald Marionettes in N. of France i. 44 M. Delannoy..gives a list of the marionettists who applied to the city of Lille..for permission to show their dolls. 1953 J. R. R. Tolkien Let. 11 Apr. (1995) 168 I also applied to my friend George Sayer..as the most normal reader and liker of the work that I could think of. 2006 Wall St. Jrnl. 5 Sept. d6/5 When foreigners apply for visas to enter the U.S., they now are required to have a finger scan. b. transitive (reflexive). = sense 13a. Now archaic and rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > [verb (reflexive)] > appeal reportc1425 address1567 apply1591 ply1668 1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints sig. N2^v How to obtaine a Beneficiall... Then to some Noble man your selfe applye. 1650 T. Bayly Worcesters Apophthegmes 22 I spied a young man..I applyed myself to him. a1681 J. Lacy Sr. Hercules Buffoon (1684) v. iv. 48 I will take your advice, and apply my self to fair Belmaria. 1691 T. Hale Acct. New Inventions 53 Howard and Company further applyed themselves to..the Admiralty in their humble Memorial. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 117. ¶3 An old Woman applied her self to me for my Charity. 1743 M. Tomlinson Protest. Birthright 18 Apply ourselves to Persons of Learning and Integrity. 1773 R. Graves Spiritual Quixote I. v. 137 Whenever he said any thing to which he expected a particular attention, he applied himself to Miss Townsend..for her approbation. 1821 Ann. Biogr. & Obituary 5 iv. 451/1 He applied himself to Mr. Macklin, for his opinion as to his capabilities. 1849 P. Burke Celebrated Trials 305 Upon applying himself to her afterward..he received a very fair denial, and there his suit ended. 1989 R. Hutton Charles Second (1999) xiv. 390 James played a notably small part in matters of either policy or patronage. When people applied themselves to him, he referred them back to his brother. c. intransitive. To appeal or address oneself to a principle or human quality. Now archaic and rare. ΚΠ a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) II. 13 Those who apply to Men's Fancies and Humours. a1729 J. Rogers 19 Serm. (1735) xvi. 340 God, who knows every Faculty and Passion of our Nature, and in what Manner they can most successfully be applied to. 1769 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xxxv. 47 He applied only to their honour as gentlemen, for protection. 1818 Times 2 May 3/5 The general committee has thought it their duty to apply to the generosity of the public for assistance in the present exhausted state of their finances. 1824 W. Scoresby Let. 31 Oct. in R. H. Scoresby-Jackson Life William Scoresby (1861) xii. 229 We have more than ordinary closeness to God..applying to his mercy in the responses. 1936 Times 11 Aug. 13/5 I apply to the kindness of your journal to give the publicity of our feelings which for ever will be deeply rooted in our hearts. 1967 S. D. Goitein Mediterranean Society I. ii. vii. 134 An old man who had no one to take care of him had to apply to the ‘mercy’ of the court for permission to buy a maidservant. d. intransitive. To put oneself forward formally as a candidate for a position, esp. in a recruitment or selection process; to submit an application to do something, for a job or other position, or to an institution.Also in extended use, esp. in only (also no) —— need apply. ΚΠ 1756 C. Antsey Mem. Noted Buckhorse II. xvii. 55 Neither Papist nor Dissenter need apply, the Gentleman being himself of the Church of England. 1759 E. MacCulloch Appellant's Case 5 The Appellant had applied for the Office of Tide-Surveyor in a different Channel. 1847 R. S. Surtees Hawbuck Grange xvi. 328 He doesn't say, ‘No girl with money need apply;’ far from it... But money is not a ‘sine quâ non’. 1859 W. D. Howells Let. 26 Oct. in Sel. Lett. (1979) I. 47 Many apply for searg. at arms-ships. 1898 Punch 10 Dec. 274/3 A..Steward of the Jockey Club..once declared that Wealthy prizes attracted Wealthy Patrons.., which being interpreted, means, ‘Only millionaires need apply!’ 1940 Daily Mirror 17 May 5/2 Over a quarter of a million had applied to join Britain's parashooters. 1968 New Eng. Jrnl. Med. 22 Feb. 455/1 They apply to medical school as college graduates. 2005 Independent 27 Sept. 38/3 He applied for a job at Barings Bank. 14. transitive. To address or direct (words) to. Now archaic and rare.Cf. quot. 1590 at sense 7.Sometimes difficult to distinguish from the commoner sense 10. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > conversation > addressing or speaking to > speak to or address [verb (transitive)] > address words to a person dressa1325 puta1350 shapec1400 directc1450 address1518 apply1565 1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. iv. xxiv. f. 141^v He [sc. Caedmon] remembred stil by harte all the thinges that he had songe in his slepe, and dyd straight way ioyne thereto mo wordes..and made vp a song fytte to be songe and applyed to God [L. mox plura in eundem modum uerba Deo digni carminis adiunxit]. 1629 F. Quarles Argalus & Parthenia i. 8 He himselfe assures, That desp'rate torments must haue desp'rate cures And thus to the diuine Partheniaes eares Applies his speech. 1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. xix. 155 Another Mexican dance they use..which in Heathenish times they did use with singing praises unto their King or Emperour; but now they apply their songs unto the King of Glory. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 172 God at last To Satan first in sin his doom apply'd, Though in mysterious terms. View more context for this quotation 1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey III. x. 32 And sacred vows, and mystic song apply'd To griesly Pluto. 1843 C. F. Briggs Bankrupt Stories i. iv. 33 The little fellow..applied an epithet to the house-keeper which it is hoped he did not fully understand. 1886 F. H. Burnett Little Lord Fauntleroy v. 94 He had employed most of his noble leisure in quarreling violently with them, in turning them out of his house, and applying abusive epithets to them. 1969 C. Middleton tr. F. Nietzsche in Sel. Lett. F. Nietzsche (1996) i. 28 If..I apply these words to you, dear friend, let them contain the best that my heart feels for you. 1997 E. Fantham tr. Cicero in W. J. Dominik Rom. Eloquence vii. 125 The case has no pleader who can apply his speech to the jurors' hearts, playing on them like the strings of a lyre. III. To bring oneself into close practical contact with a pursuit. 15. a. transitive. To devote one's energy to, to handle vigorously; to practise (one's business, or a pursuit or activity); = ply v.² 2b. In later use perhaps influenced by sense 9. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > practice, exercise, or doing > practise or carry on [verb (transitive)] doeOE followOE holda1100 found1340 exercec1374 enhaunta1382 usea1398 proceed1399 apply?c1400 practise?c1430 exercise1467 takea1500 plya1513 enure1549 prosecute1567 inurea1577 manage1579 to stand on ——1599 to carry on1638 cultivate1654 the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > engage in or busy oneself about fanda1375 entermetea1393 deala1400 makea1400 apply?c1400 to have in occupation?1523 lie1546 entreat1590 to consist in1606 tirea1616 stickle1647 to be in the business of1873 c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 441 Fals men..say..þat speciale prayere aplied by hor prelatis is better þen generale. 1461 T. Denys in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 344 My maister your husbond wole parauenture blame vs all if this mater be not applied. 1549 T. Solme in H. Latimer 2nd Serm. before Kynges Maiestie To Rdr. sig. Aviii The applye the world harde. 1555 W. Waterman tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions ii. i. 116 The mooste parte of the Sabeis apply husbandrye. c1613 (a1500) in T. Stapleton Plumpton Corr. (1839) 123 That the poor man for dread dare not apply his busines. a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Yorks. 192 That he might the more effectually apply his private devotions. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 264 The Birds thir quire apply . View more context for this quotation 1725 R. Wolcott Poet. Medit. 77 Let the Sacred Order of the Gown, With Zeal apply the Business that's their own. 1943 Times 29 Dec. 3/3 The army commander directs the military effort and the R.A.F. commander with him applies the air effort in accordance with the combined plan. 1972 Amer. Jrnl. Agric. Econ. 54 533 We all acknowledge that Economists need tools to apply their trade. 1999 S. S. Tobin Preserv. Self in Oldest Years vii. 152 Mr. Sampson..is very bothered by what he can no longer do. No longer can he apply his trade. †b. transitive. To handle vigorously (something used in one's occupation, esp. an implement or tool), to wield; to make assiduous use of; = ply v.² 2a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or control > [verb (transitive)] wind993 wieldOE aweldc1175 bewieldc1200 demeanc1300 use1340 plya1393 governc1405 exercite1475 apply1531 manage1590 sway1609 manipulate1834 wage1836 1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour ii. iv. sig. Ovi^v Quintius..repaired agayne to his ploughe, and applied it diligently. 1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. i. ii. i. 18 A notable spurre unto all..to applie their bookes. 1595 E. Spenser Colin Clouts come Home Againe sig. C1 Be the shepheards..laesie? That they list not their mery pipes applie? 1616 G. Markham tr. C. Estienne et al. Maison Rustique (rev. ed.) i. xxviii. 134 You shall apply him [sc. the horse] at least three or foure times a day. 16. transitive. To give or devote (a faculty) assiduously to. Also with infinitive and without complement. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > take care about [verb (transitive)] > attend to or cultivate > direct (one's mind or energies) to doc1175 set1340 embrace1393 applyc1425 the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or engage (a person) [verb (transitive)] > engage in or busy oneself about > devote oneself to or take time for > devote (a faculty, time, etc.) to spenda1300 givec1340 applyc1425 bend?1510 consecrate1555 divest1638 invest1837 c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 3011 (MED) For þei her wit fynally applye To swe her lust & lyue in glotonye. a1500 in F. J. Furnivall Polit., Relig., & Love Poems (1903) 77 Of here beaute sum-what too say, I will applye my wittes all. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 434/2 I applye or gyve my mynde to a thyng, Je madonne. 1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxxix. 12 That we maye applie oure hertes vnto wyssdome. 1600 C. Sutton Disce Mor.i xiii. 186 (heading) How necessarie it is for the sicke, leauing all worldly, thoughtes, to apply his mind to praier and some godly meditation. 1673 J. Ray Observ. Journey Low-countries 200 I applyed my mind to consider..the physical reason of it. c1746 J. Hervey Medit. (1818) 160 Apply your thoughts to religion. 1782 D. Williams Lett. Polit. Liberty 5 This is my reason for applying my thoughts to political subjects. 1815 W. H. Ireland Scribbleomania 70 I..advise this nobleman to apply his abilities to some more sterling and lasting theme. 1888 Atlantic Monthly Jan. 93/2 We hope that he has learned to apply his mind. 1898 E. von Arnim Elizabeth & her German Garden 5 All forms of needlework of the fancy order are inventions of the evil one for keeping the foolish from applying their hearts to wisdom. 1923 M. S. Watts in B. C. Williams O. Henry Prize Stories of 1923 (1924) 237 She..spent hours in the garden applying her patently unskilled energies to weeding and trimming it. 1971 Dict. National Biogr. 1951–60 1053/2 He applied his mind to horticulture and gradually converted the moat garden into a botanical showplace. 2001 P. Reizin Dumping Hilary? (2002) ix. 297 I sense the time may be right for the conspirators to apply their brilliant brains to the matter at hand. 17. a. intransitive. To give one's full and careful attention. Usually with to. Also with infinitive (obsolete). Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > care or heed [verb (intransitive)] > be diligent plya1393 skelta1400 apply?a1439 ply1644 ?a1439 J. Lydgate tr. Fall of Princes (Bodl.) iv. 3955 Afftir this stori Bochas gan applie To turne his penne..To write & tell the froward lecherie [etc.]. ?c1500 Mary Magdalene (Digby) 1982 My londdes to gyddyn I mvst a-plye. a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iii. ii. 32 Let your remembrance apply to Banquo. View more context for this quotation 1637 J. Rhodes Countrie Mans Comfort sig. A3 To know thy selfe thou must apply. 1740 Ld. Chesterfield Lett. (1932) (modernized text) II. 421 The more you apply, the easier you will find your learning. 1774 S. Hallifax Anal. Rom. Law (1795) Pref. 16 Those who apply to the study of the Common Law. 1817 W. Taylor in Monthly Rev. 83 492 He applied to English literature. 1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre I. xi. 193 I found my pupil..disinclined to apply. a1908 A. Webb Autobiogr. Quaker Nationalist (1999) 18 They were oblivious to the reason that caused us to apply diligently to our work, until the mistress came behind them and boxed their ears. 1935 Times 25 Nov. 11/2 A people seeking salvation must apply diligently to their task. b. transitive (reflexive). To set oneself closely to a task, activity, or object of study; to devote oneself to; (also, without complement) to work hard. Also with infinitive (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > occupy or busy oneself [verb (reflexive)] > devote or apply oneself choosea1300 yield?a1366 givea1400 employ1439 applyc1450 poura1500 intend?1504 delivera1533 addict1534 bequeath1558 bend1591 devotea1616 devow1626 surrendera1732 puzzle1751 c1450 Pilgrimage Lyfe Manhode (Cambr.) 198 To hire organes she aplyeth hire and deliteth hire to the melodye. ?a1475 Ludus Coventriae (1922) 30 (MED) I wyl fforth with applye me þerto. 1477 Earl Rivers tr. Dictes or Sayengis Philosophhres (Caxton) (1877) lf. 5 Applying him self to do good dedis. 1562 tr. J. Jewel Apol. Church Eng. f. 54^v Thinke you that Abbots..will make a decree, that a Monke..ought to..apply himself to learning, dispute, pray, worke, and prepare himselfe to the ministery of the Church? 1594 J. Dickenson Arisbas sig. H 4^v He & his accursed companions applied themselues wholly to myrth. 1615 G. Markham Countrey Contentments i. ii. 50 When..hee [sc. the horse]..stubbornely applies himselfe to disobey you. 1680 E. Borlase Hist. Execrable Irish Rebellion 199 Making ample professions and protestations of Duty, and of applying themselves for the future to his Majesties Service, if they might be once again own'd by him. 1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 1. ¶3 I applied my self..to my Studies. 1773 J. Lind Lett. conc. Present State Poland p. x This court applied herself at the same time, and with equal zeal to the rectifying of many abuses and defects in the constitution. 1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian 188 She..applied herself to her sister's relief. 1874 J. S. Blackie On Self-culture 70 He could apply himself..to comprehend two such antipodal characters. 1916 W. Owen Let. Apr. (1967) 389 I hear you are applying yourself to some solid study for the J[unior] Oxford. 1956 H. L. Mencken Minority Rep. 121 He must apply himself to a vast mass of strange and difficult facts. 1995 N.Y. Times 25 June xiii. 10/5 Unlike some brainiacs, Lisa applied herself. During Sophomore year, she sometimes spent five hours a night on homework. 2003 C. Berlinski Loose Lips viii. 187 He applied himself to fixing a lamb and raisin plov. †18. a. transitive. To assail or afflict (a person) with something adverse; = ply v.² 4a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > adversity > suffer (adversity or affliction) [verb (transitive)] > inflict (adversity) on or upon teenOE wait1303 visita1382 show1483 usurpc1485 prejudge1531 pull1550 apply1558 inflict1594 to put through the mangle1924 1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos iv. sig. L.ij^v Applie them still with strife. a1627 J. Hayward Life & Raigne Edward Sixt (1630) 7 He thought it best to apply her with some corporall chastisements which with respit of time might happely reduce her to good order. b. transitive. To keep at (a person) with (something presented to his attention); = ply v.² 5a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > request > request or ask for [verb (transitive)] > urge or importune depressc1400 nurnc1400 pressc1440 labourc1450 instancea1513 instanta1513 importune1530 to lie at, upon1535 apply1559 urge1568 importunate1574 ply1581 to put on ——?a1600 flagitate1623 besiege1712 earwig1804 bone1856 tout1920 S.O.S.a1936 opportune1941 1559 W. Baldwin et al. Myrroure for Magistrates Suffolk xxii. 1 [They] applyed the Parliament with billes. 1590 H. Swinburne Briefe Treat. Test. & Willes vii. f. 243 [If she] busily applie him with sweete and flattering speeches. 1594 Willobie his Auisa xlvii. f. 43^v Apply her still with dyuers thinges. 1846 W. H. Medhurst tr. Shoo King iv. 143 Tae-këĕ wished to live dissolutely and follow corrupt habits, but E-yun spied his incipient desires, and therefore applied him with these exhortations. †IV. To bend, conform, or adapt to. 19. a. intransitive. To comply, submit, hearken, consent to. Also with infinitive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > consent > [verb (intransitive)] consent?c1225 assent1297 vouchsafe13.. choosec1330 grant1340 to be consentedc1386 to be covined1393 apply1419 condescend1477 agreea1533 acconsent1560 acclaim1620 comply1672 1419 Guildhall Let.-bk. in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 80 (MED) He wolde naught applie nor accorde to right and reson. a1500 Partenay (Trin. Cambr.) l. 5313 Non durste hys heste breke, but to him apply. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) I. Prol. f. ii^v The Scottes that neuer coude apply To kepe theyr Allegeaunce. ?a1525 (?a1475) Play Sacrament l. 827 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 83 Onto owr prayers thow hast applyed. 1544 J. Bale Brefe Chron. Syr I. Oldecastell sig. F^v To these and all soche other will I my selfe with all power possyble applye. a1556 N. Udall Ralph Roister Doister (?1566) iv. v. sig. G.ij To bee his wife I ne graunt nor apply. 1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) I. 136/2 If she would apply to his request, she shoulde be..set at liberty. b. transitive. To incline (one's mind, will, etc.) compliantly to (also unto). Also reflexive: to conform oneself; to comply, be subservient to (also unto). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > consent > consent or comply [verb (reflexive)] seema1300 consent1340 submita1387 endeigna1400 agree1421 greec1440 apply1482 condescend1489 society > authority > subjection > obedience > obey or be obedient to [verb (transitive)] > apply (one's mind or self) obediently apply1482 1482 Coventry Leet Bk. 506 In tyme paste..they were euer conformable to euery mocion..& applied their willes therunto. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) i. xxxvi. f. xxix As he wylle that shal be done, we shal applye vs fully withoute ayenseynge. 1509 A. Barclay Brant's Shyp of Folys (Pynson) f. xxix^v Priamus his mynde wolde nat aply To the counseyll of Cassandra. 1533 Anne Boleyn's Fort. in F. J. Furnivall Ballads from MSS I. 406 Wholy applyinge himselfe to the Kings humour. 1638 R. Brathwait Surv. Hist. 90 The Acacians, who by complying with the Emperour, and applying themselves to his pleasure, justly gained the name of Iovinians. 1640 R. Brathwait Ar't Asleepe Husband? 4 Ever ready to bend her will, and apply her affection to the mould of Man. 1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie iii. sig. Aaab Applying themselves unto the times, they were alwaies favourable to the strongest. 20. a. intransitive. To be adaptable or suitable; to be suited to. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > travel > aspects of travel > travel in specific course or direction > direct one's course [verb (reflexive)] turnc1175 stretcha1225 bowc1275 steer1399 straighta1400 ready?a1425 purposec1425 address1436 applya1450 shape1480 make1488 aima1500 bound1821 the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > be suitable, appropriate, or suit [verb (intransitive)] fayc1300 sita1393 applya1450 fadec1475 frame?1518 agree1534 compete?1541 fadge1578 suit1589 apt1596 suit1601 quadrate1670 gee1699 a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxvii. 141 Wenges that lyhtly wolde folde And Aplyen to his flyht. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xxxiii. 296 Al manere of delicasye That to ony Mannes wyt May Applye. 1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos i. sig. A.iij^v Be bolde, & harden now your selfes, take ease when ease applise. 1600 B. Jonson Every Man out of his Humor iv. iv. sig. Nii Haber. Nay faith Sir, the Hat's as good as any man i' this towne can serue you. And will maintaine Fashion as long, ne're trust me for a groat else. Fung. Do's it apply well to my sute? View more context for this quotation 1602 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor ii. ii. 229 Would it apply well to the veruensie of your affection, That another should [etc.]. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Xx2^v The precedent state, or disposition, vnto which we do apply . View more context for this quotation b. transitive. To adapt, adjust, suit (a person or thing) to. Chiefly reflexive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > adaptability to circumstances > adapt to circumstances [verb (reflexive)] applya1500 apt1545 lend1854 adjust1874 reorient1914 reorientate1914 fit1919 a1500 (a1470) in C. Monro Lett. Margaret of Anjou (1863) 125 Ye, of wilfulnesse..not havyng regarde unto the said contract, wol not applie you, ne condescende, unto the said mariage. 1560 W. Painter tr. W. Fulke Antiprognosticon sig. Cvi Mercurius..is also vnstable & inconstant, applying himself to euery company, for with the good, he is also good, and with the euill, agreable in qualitie with theim. 1574 A. Golding tr. A. Marlorat Catholike Expos. Reuelation 3 God applieth himselfe not a little vnto our affections. 1605 Faire Maide Bristow sig. E i.^v Aplie thy speech proud woman to the place, Speake reuerently in presence of the King. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. D4 They fayle sometimes in applying themselves to particular persons. View more context for this quotation a1631 J. Donne 50 Serm. (1649) xxv. 216 It was his own opinion, that the Sacrament might be administred in prisons, and in private houses; but because he found the Church of Geneva, of another opinion..he applied himself to them and departed..from his own opinion. 1670 S. Lennard tr. P. Charron Wisdome (new ed.) iii. xxxvi. 508 That it [sc. the soul] apply not it self to sensible objects, but that it rather accommodate them unto it self. †V. To make ready. 21. transitive and intransitive. To make ready, prepare. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > preparation > prepare [verb (transitive)] yarec888 yarkc1000 graithc1175 readya1225 biredienc1275 to make yarec1290 forgraitha1300 adightc1330 buskc1330 purveyc1330 agraith1340 disposec1375 before-graithea1382 to forge and filec1381 to make readya1382 devisec1385 bounc1390 buss?a1400 address?a1425 parel?a1425 to get upc1425 providec1425 prepare1449 bakec1450 aready1470 arm?a1505 prevenea1522 get?1530 to get ready1530 to get ready1530 to set in readiness1575 apply1577 compose1612 predy1627 make1637 to dispose of1655 do1660 fallowa1764 to line up1934 prep1936 tee1938 1577 M. Hanmer tr. Bp. Eusebius in Aunc. Eccl. Hist. iv. xv. 66 Alle thinges necessarily required for the execution were applyed. 1609 Bible (Douay) I. Hosea vii. 6 They haue applied their hart as an ouen. 1638 T. Heywood Wise Woman iv. i. sig. G3^v Apply thou, that shall be tride. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2008; most recently modified version published online June 2022). < n.1669v.c1384
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applyv.