ally1
/
ˈalʌɪ/
n.
(pl. allies)
a person or organization that cooperates with another.
▸a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose.
▸
(the Allies)
the countries that fought with Britain in the First and Second World Wars.
v.
/also
əˈlʌɪ/
(allies, allying, allied)
-
(ally oneself with)
side with.
-
(ally something to/with)
combine a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. alier, from L. alligare ‘bind together’; cf. alloy.
ally2
/
ˈali/
n.
(pl. allies)
a toy marble.
Etymology
C18: perh. a dimin. of alabaster, choice marbles being made orig. of alabaster or marble.