As men may warm wax with handes plie. --Chaucer.
2. To lay on closely, or in folds; to work upon steadily, or
with repeated acts; to press upon; to urge importunately;
as, to ply one with questions, with solicitations, or with
drink.
And plies him with redoubled strokes --Dryden.
He plies the duke at morning and at night. --Shak.
3. To employ diligently; to use steadily.
Go ply thy needle; meddle not. --Shak.
4. To practice or perform with diligence; to work at.
Their bloody task, unwearied, still they ply.
--Waller.