COMPLYING

Etymology

Verb

complying

present participle of comply

Source: Wiktionary


COMPLY

Com*ply", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Complied; p. pr. & vb. n. Complying.] Etym: [Perh. formed fr. compliment, influenced by ply, pliant, which are of different origin: cf. It. complire to compliment, finish, suit. See Compliment, Complete.]

1. To yield assent; to accord; agree, or acquiesce; to adapt one's self; to consent or conform; -- usually followed by with. Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply, Scandalous or forbidden in our law. Milton. They did servilely comply with the people in worshiping God by sensible images. Tillotson. He that complies against his will Is of his own opinion still. Hudibras.

2. To be ceremoniously courteous; to make one's compliments. [Obs.] Shak.

Com*ply", v. t. Etym: [See comply, v. i.]

1. To fulfill; to accomplish. [Obs.] Chapman.

2. Etym: [Cf. L. complicare to fold up. See Ply.]

Definition: To infold; to embrace. [Obs.] Seemed to comply, Cloudlike, the daintie deitie. Herrick.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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2 May 2025

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