(idea) by cobalt Wed Apr 03 2002 at 2:30:41
The Milton that Webby is most likely quoting is Sonnet XXII. In that poem is the line

The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd.

In that context, Milton is referring to a nautical term, possibly archaic, meaning 'to sail against the wind.'

I like it!
(definition) by Webster 1913 Wed Dec 22 1999 at 1:42:33

O`ver*ply" (?), v. t.

To ply to excess; to exert with too much vigor; to overwork.

Milton.

 

© Webster 1913.

I like it!

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.