1ply 
/ˈplaɪ/ verb
plies; plied; ply·ing /ˈplaɪ/ verb formal 1 [+ obj] a : to work at (a job, activity, etc.)
▪ The carpenter plies his art/craft in his workshop. ▪ Wood-carvers were plying their trade [=doing their work] in the town square. ▪ a street where many artists ply their wares [=sell their goods] on the sidewalk
b old-fashioned : to use (something, such as a tool) with care and skill
▪ She makes a living as a writer, busily plying her pen each day. 2 always followed by an adverb or preposition, of a bus, ship, airplane, etc. : to go along the same route regularly : to travel on a particular road, way, etc., regularly [no obj] ▪ Barges plied back and forth along the canal. ▪ Two ferries ply between the island and mainland in the summer months. [+ obj] ▪ Trucks ply the highway between the two cities. ▪ ships plying the country's northern coast
▪ The carpenter plies his art/craft in his workshop. ▪ Wood-carvers were plying their trade [=doing their work] in the town square. ▪ a street where many artists ply their wares [=sell their goods] on the sidewalk
b old-fashioned : to use (something, such as a tool) with care and skill
▪ She makes a living as a writer, busily plying her pen each day.
ply for hire/business/trade
Brit : to try to get customers or business
▪ Taxis ply for hire/business outside the train station. ▪ The company is plying for trade in America.
▪ Taxis ply for hire/business outside the train station. ▪ The company is plying for trade in America.
ply with [phrasal verb]
ply (someone) with (something) : to offer or give (something) to (someone) repeatedly or constantly
▪ Someone who is plying you with gifts [=giving you many gifts] probably wants something in return. ▪ Waiters plied guests with wine and hors d'oeuvres. ▪ He plied me with questions. [=he asked me many questions]
▪ Someone who is plying you with gifts [=giving you many gifts] probably wants something in return. ▪ Waiters plied guests with wine and hors d'oeuvres. ▪ He plied me with questions. [=he asked me many questions]
