Search the Dictionary

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.…

Capable of being employed; capable of being used; fit or proper for use. Boyle.

One employed by another; a clerk or workman in the service of an employer.

One employed by another.

One who employs another; as, an employer of workmen.

The act of employing or using; also, the state of being employed.

To throw out of employment. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.

The state of being disemployed, or deprived of employment. This glut of leisure and disemployment. Jer. Taylor.

To employ amiss; as, to misemploy time, advantages, talents, etc. Their frugal father's gains they misemploy. Dryden.

Wrong or mistaken employment. Johnson.

To employ beforehand. "Preëmployed by him." Shak.

Nor employed in manual or other labor; having no regular work.

Quality or state of being not employed; -- used esp. in economics, of the condition of various social classes when temporarily thrown out of employment, as those engaged for short periods, those whose trade is decaying, and those least competent.

s in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc. It is still employed in China.

A figure of speech employed when a speaker having begun to say a thing stops abruptly: thus, "He is a man of so much honor and candor, and of such generosity -- but I need say no more."

Entire engrossment or occupation of the mind; as, absorption in some employment.

The art or employment of an accountant.

The office or employment of an accountant.

implying action or exertion; -- opposed to Ant: sedentary or to Ant: tranquil; as, active employment or service; active scenes.

rvice rendered, or duties assumed, in conducting affairs; the conducting of any office or employment; direction; management. His financial administration was of a piece with his military administration. Macaulay.