~ 1 [ 'alʌɪ ]
■ noun ( plural allies ) a person or organization that cooperates with another.
↘a state form~ cooperating with another for a military or other purpose.
↘( the Allies ) the countries that fought with Britain in the First and Second World Wars.
■ verb also ə'lʌɪ ( allies , ~ing , allied )
1》 ( ~ oneself with ) side with.
2》 ( ~ something to/with ) combine a resource or commodity with (another) for mutual benefit.
Origin
ME: from OFr. alier , from L. alligare 'bind together'; cf. alloy .
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~ 2 [ 'ali ]
(also alley )
■ noun ( plural allies ) a toy marble.
Origin
C18: perh. a dimin. of alabaster , choice marbles being made orig. of alabaster or marble.