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ely recreation; to exercise for the sake of amusement; to frolic; to spot. As Cannace was playing in her walk. Chaucer. The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day, Had he thy reason, would he skip and play! Pope. And some, the darlings of their Lord, Play smiling with the flame and sword. Keble.

A beach; a strand; in the plains and deserts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, a broad, level spot, on which subsequently becomes dry by evaporation. Bartlett.

A printed programme of a play, with the parts assigned to the actors.

A book of dramatic compositions; a book of the play. Swift.

A day given to play or diversion; a holiday. Swift.

One who plays, or amuses himself; one without serious aims; an idler; a trifler. Shak.

A companion in amusements or sports; a playmate. Shak.

A playfellow. [Obs.] [Also, playfeer, playphere.] Holinsheld.

Sportive; gamboling; frolicsome; indulging a sportive fancy; humorous; merry; as, a playful child; a playful writer. -- Play"ful*ly, adv. -- Play"ful*ness, n.

Play of children. Locke.

One who frequents playhouses, or attends dramatic performances.

Frequenting playhouses; as, the playgoing public. -- n.

A piece of ground used for recreation; as, the playground of a school.

A house for children to play in; a toyhouse.

a. & vb. n. of Play. Playing cards. See under Card.

A playwright. [R.]

A companion in diversions; a playfellow.

Playful; wanton; sportive. [R.] R. Browning. -- Play"some*ness, n. [R.]

See Pleyt.

A thing to play with; a toy; anything that serves to amuse. A child knows his nurse, and by degrees the playthings of a little more advanced age. Locke.