a. Obs. [f. APPLY v. + -ABLE; earlier than the current APPLICABLE.]
1. Ready to apply one’s self or to hearken (to); docile, compliant, well-disposed. Cf. PLIABLE.
1499. Plumpton Corr., 134. I have advysed him so to doe, the which he is right glad and aplyable.
1532. More, Confut. Tindale, Wks. 698/2. With willing and applyable myndes.
1635. Shirley, Lady of Pleas., III. i. She has a very appliable nature.
1699. Temple, Hist. Eng., 583. Tho’ constant to his Ends, yet appliable to Occasions.
2. Capable of being applied. (See APPLY 1–10.)
c. 1555. Harpsfield, Divorce Hen. VIII. (1878), 51. This case is not appliable against our case.
1586. W. Webbe, Eng. Poetrie (1870), 59. Dytties applyable to euery tune that may be sung or sayd.
1624. Sanderson, Serm., Ad. Mag. ii. (1674), 104. Conceive the words as … appliable to the Accuser.
1642. Howell, For. Trav. (Arb.), 16. Like the Shoomakers Last, that may bee applyable to any foot.
1679. Oates, Serm. St. Mich. Wood-St. The purchase of Christ … should be appliable to man without any fraud or limitation.
3. Having relation, suitable, pertinent, applicable.
1555. Fardle of Facions, II. xi. 239. [Mahomet] extolled him [Christe] to a more heigth then was appliable to the nature of man.
a. 1656. Hales, Gold. Rem. (1688), 29. How this advice … was appliable or how it fitted the question … belongs not to me to discuss.
1742. Bailey, Appliable, that may be applied, has relation to, or, is conformable to.
