1. (v. t.) To enclose; to enfold.

2. (v. t.) To use; to have in service; to cause to be engaged in doing something; -- often followed by in, about, on, or upon, and sometimes by to; as: (a) To make use of, as an instrument, a means, a material, etc., for a specific purpose; to apply; as, to employ the pen in writing, bricks in building, words and phrases in speaking; to employ the mind; to employ one's energies.

3. (v. t.) To occupy; as, to employ time in study.

4. (v. t.) To have or keep at work; to give employment or occupation to; to entrust with some duty or behest; as, to employ a hundred workmen; to employ an envoy.

5. (n.) That which engages or occupies a person; fixed or regular service or business; employment.