Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
EMPLOY
I. transitive verb see: ply
Date: 15th century
1. to make use of (someone or something inactive) , to use (as time) advantageously , c. to use or engage the services of, to provide with a job that pays wages or a salary , to devote to or direct toward a particular activity or person , see: use employer noun
II. noun
Date: 1666
1. use , purpose , occupation , job , the state of being employed