busy

• Having many things to do
• Not available for other activities
• Not interested in talking to one's child

Graphical operating systems usually signify a busy state with various icons. All versions of Microsoft Windows default to an hourglass, in keeping with its antique philosophy. The Mac OS uses a wristwatch, which is much more appropriate, although my favorite remains the Atari ST, which used a bee, implying that real work was being done, and we weren't just sitting around waiting (as with the watch or hourglass).

Bus"y (?), a. [OE. busi, bisi, AS. bysig; akin to D. bezig, LG. besig; cf. Skr. bhsh to be active, busy.]

1.

Engaged in some business; hard at work (either habitually or only for the time being); occupied with serious affairs; not idle nor at leisure; as, a busy merchant.

Sir, my mistress sends you word That she is busy, and she can not come. Shak.

2.

Constantly at work; diligent; active.

Busy hammers closing rivets up. Shak.

Religious motives . . . are so busy in the heart. Addison.

3.

Crowded with business or activities; -- said of places and times; as, a busy street.

To-morrow is a busy day. Shak.

4.

Officious; meddling; foolish active.

On meddling monkey, or on busy ape. Shak.

5.

Careful; anxious.

Chaucer.

Syn. -- Diligent; industrious; assiduous; active; occupied; engaged.

© Webster 1913.

Bus"y (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Busied (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Busying.] [AS. bysgian.]

To make or keep busy; to employ; to engage or keep engaged; to occupy; as, to busy one's self with books.

Be it thy course to busy giddy minds With foreign quarrels. Shak.

© Webster 1913.