BUSY

a. v.

6 definitions — Webster’s Dictionary (1828)


1.
a.

Engaged in some business; hard at work (either habitually or only for the time being); occupied with serious affairs; not idle nor at leisure; as, a busy merchant. Sir, my mistress sends you word THat she is busy, and she can not come. Shak.

2.
a.

Constantly at work; diligent; active. Busy hammers closing rivets up. Shak. Religious motives . . . are so busy in the heart. Addison.

3.
a.

Crowded with business or activities; -- said of places and times; as, a busy street. To-morrow is a busy day. Shak.

4.
a.

Officious; meddling; foolish active. On meddling monkey, or on busy ape. Shak.

5.
a.

Careful; anxious. [Obs.] Chaucer.

6.
v.

To make or keep busy; to employ; to engage or keep engaged; to occupy; as, to busy one's self with books. Be it thy course to busy giddy minds With foreign quarrels. Shak.


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