n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' l ī , ' a- ˌ l ī
Function: verb
Inflected Form: al · lied ; al · ly · ing
Etymology: Middle English allien, from Anglo-French alier, from Latin alligare to bind to, from ad- + ligare to bind ― more at LIGATURE
Date: 14th century
transitive verb : to unite or form a connection or relation between : ASSOCIATE < allied himself with a wealthy family by marriage>
intransitive verb : to form or enter into an alliance <two factions ally ing with each other>