To set (a person, an animal, etc.) to a task, or to do something; to put (a thing) to use, or (less commonly) in action or operation. Also (reflexive…

to put (also †set) on work: = to put (also set) to work at phrases 1f(a). Now rare.

To put (an implement) in action. to streek the plew: to draw the first furrow after harvest.

= to set (a-)going at sense 114c.

figurative and in figurative contexts. in motion: in a state of excitement, commotion, etc.; active, proceeding, in progress. to put (also set) in (al…

transitive. To begin or initiate (something); to produce (something) quickly. Obsolete.

To start off, give (a person or thing) a start; to send off into a fit of laughter, etc.

to put (also set) in work: †(a) to make use of (obsolete); (b) to put in operation; = to put (also set) to work at phrases 1f(a) (now rare).

Const. gerund with a- prefixed: in this const. and next, often, to put (a thing) in motion or progress, to start; esp. to set (a-)going.

transitive. To set going, cause to begin to function or operate; to set (machinery) in motion. Cf. to start up 5c at phrasal verbs 1.

transitive. To set (a machine, business, etc.) in operation; to cause to begin to function or operate; to establish, institute. Also intransitive.

in (also †upon) motion: moving or being moved; in a state of activity, moving about; opposed to at rest. to put in (also into, †to) motion, to set…