\Mul"ti*ply\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Multiplied}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Multiplying}.] [F. multiplier, L. multiplicare, fr.
multiplex manifold. See {Multitude}, {Complex}.]
1. To increase in number; to make more numerous; to add
   quantity to.
         Impunity will multiply motives to disobedience.
                                               --Ames.
2. (Math.) To add (any given number or quantity) to itself a
   certain number of times; to find the product of by
   multiplication; thus 7 multiplied by 8 produces the number
   56; to multiply two numbers. See the Note under
   {Multiplication}.
3. To increase (the amount of gold or silver) by the arts of
   alchemy. [Obs.]
{Multiplying gear} (Mach.), gear for increasing speed.
{Multiplying lens}. (Opt.) See under {Lens}.

\Mul"ti*ply\, v. i.
1. To become greater in number; to become numerous.
         When men began to multiply on the face of the earth,
         and daughters were born unto them.    --Gen. vi. 1.
2. To increase in extent and influence; to spread.
         The word of God grew and multiplied.  --Acts xii.
                                               24.
3. To increase amount of gold or silver by the arts of
   alchemy. [Obs.] --Chaucer.