From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Employment \Em*ploy"ment\, n.
1. The act of employing or using; also, the state of being
employed.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which engages or occupies; that which consumes time
or attention; office or post of business; service; as,
agricultural employments; mechanical employments; public
employments; in the employment of government.
[1913 Webster]
Cares are employments, and without employ
The soul is on a rack. --Young.
Syn: Work; business; occupation; vocation; calling; office;
service; commission; trade; profession.
[1913 Webster]