a. [ OE. busi, bisi, AS. bysig; akin to D. bezig, LG. besig; cf. Skr. bhūsh to be active, busy. ] 1. Engaged in some business; hard at work (either habitually or only for the time being); occupied with serious affairs; not idle nor at leisure; as, a busy merchant. [ 1913 Webster ] Sir, my mistress sends you word That she is busy, and she can not come. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Constantly at work; diligent; active. [ 1913 Webster ] Busy hammers closing rivets up. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Religious motives . . . are so busy in the heart. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Crowded with business or activities; -- said of places and times; as, a busy street. [ 1913 Webster ] To-morrow is a busy day. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Officious; meddling; foolish active. [ 1913 Webster ] On meddling monkey, or on busy ape. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Careful; anxious. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Diligent; industrious; assiduous; active; occupied; engaged. [ 1913 Webster ] |