play

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play exercise oneself, spec. by way of diversion, engage in (a game); perform on (a musical instrument) OE.; move swiftly, briskly, freely; act the character of XIV. OE. pleg(i)an, plægian = MDu. pleien dance, leap for joy, rejoice; doubtfully rel. to OFris. plega be wont, OS. plegan (Du. plegen), OHG. pflegan (G. pflegen) have charge of, attend to, be in the habit of.
So play sb. OE. plega, plæga rapid movement, exercise, sport OE. (cessation of work, being idle XVII); dramatic performance, drama XIV; action, dealing, as in fair p., foul p. XVI; p. of, on, or upon words, after F. jeu de mots XVIII. playhouse XVI (not continuous with OE. pleghūs ‘theatrum’).

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