From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Reply \Re*ply"\ (r?-pl?"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Replied
(-pl?d"); p. pr. & vb. n. Replying.] [OE. replien, OF.
replier, F. r['e]pliquer, fr. L. replicare to fold back, make
a reply; pref. re- re- + plicare to fold. See Ply, and cf.
Replica.]
1. To make a return in words or writing; to respond; to
answer.
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O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
--Rom. ix. 20.
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2. (Law) To answer a defendant's plea.
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3. Figuratively, to do something in return for something
done; as, to reply to a signal; to reply to the fire of a
battery.
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Syn: To answer; respond; rejoin.
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