Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Reply?

\Re*ply"\ (r?-pl?"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Replied} (-pl?d"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Replying}.] [OE. replien, OF. replier, F. r['e]pliquer, fr. L. replicare to fold back, make a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to fold. See {Ply}, and cf. {Replica}.] 1. To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to answer. O man, who art thou that repliest against God? --Rom. ix. 20. 2. (Law) To answer a defendant's plea. 3. Figuratively, to do something in return for something done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a battery. Syn: To answer; respond; rejoin.
\Re*ply"\, v. t. To return for an answer. --Milton. Lords, vouchsafe To give me hearing what I shall reply. --Shak.
\Re*ply"\, n.; pl. {Replies} (-pl?z"). [See {Reply}, v. i., and cf. {Replica}.] That which is said, written, or done in answer to what is said, written, or done by another; an answer; a response. Syn: Answer; rejoinder; response. Usage: {Reply}, {Rejoinder}, {Answer}. A reply is a distinct response to a formal question or attack in speech or writing. A rejoinder is a second reply (a reply to a reply) in a protracted discussion or controversy. The word answer is used in two senses, namely (1), in the most general sense of a mere response; as, the answer to a question; or (2), in the sense of a decisive and satisfactory confutation of an adversary's argument, as when we speak of a triumphant answer to the speech or accusations of an opponent. Here the noun corresponds to a frequent use of the verb, as when we say. ``This will answer (i.e., fully meet) the end in view;'' ``It answers the purpose.''