Middle English Dictionary Entry

ap(p)līen v.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To join or combine (with); attach (to sth.); adhere; ~ aright, to fit properly; -- with to phrase; (b) to gather, assemble (members of a group); (c) to include (in a set); (d) med. apply (a lotion).
2.
(a) To use or employ (sth. for a certain purpose); also, to be of use (to sb. or for a purpose), be suitable or agreeable; (b) to allot (sth. to a person, etc.); ~ to the use of, put at the disposal of; (c) to impose or inflict (on sb.); to afflict (sb.).
3.
(a) To apply (an expression to sth.); ~ name, to name; ~ wordes, termes, describe; (b) to apply (a statement) as suitable or appropriate; express (an opinion); (c) to apply (an allegory to a specific instance); (d) to attribute (a quality, an achievement to sb.).
4.
(a) To go (in the direction of, or to, a place); of a ship: to steer or ply (a certain course); (b) of a ship or someone traveling by ship: to land (at a certain place), disembark (into a land).
5.
(a) To strive or undertake (to do sth.); seek to achieve (sth.); to attain (to a certain state); (b) apply (one's faculties to a task or pursuit); (c) refl. devote oneself (to sth.); (d) attend to or perform (sth.).
6.
To comply (with an agreement or request), submit (to certain conditions); obey.