- the state of being employed or having a job
"they are looking for employment"
"he was in the employ of the city"

- put into service

- make work or employ (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
"use your head!"
"we only use Spanish at home"
"I can''t make use of this tool"
"Apply a magnetic field here"
"This thinking was applied

- engage or hire for work
"They hired two new secretaries in the department"
"How many people has she employed?"

1. To inclose; to infold. [Obs.] Chaucer.

2. 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.

"This is a day in which the thoughts . . . ought to be employed on serious subjects." -- Addison.

(b) To occupy; as, to employ time in study. (c) To have or keep at work; to give employment or occupation to; to intrust with some duty or behest; as, to employ a hundred workmen; to employ an envoy.

"Jonathan . . . and Jahaziah . . . were employed about this matter." -- Ezra x. 15.

"Thy vineyard must employ the sturdy steer To turn the glebe." -- Dryden.

To employ one's self
to apply or devote one's time and attention; to busy one's self.

Syn. -- To use; busy; apply; exercise; occupy; engross; engage. See Use.

1. That which engages or occupies a person; fixed or regular service or business; employment.

"The whole employ of body and of mind." -- Pope.

In one's employ
in one's service.