ˈgalē, -li noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English galeie, from Old French galee, galie, probably from Old Catalan or from Old Provençal galea, from Middle Greek, probably from Greek galeē, galē weasel, marten, a small fish — more at galea
1.
a. : a large low usually one-decked ship propelled by both sails and oars, typically being 100 to 200 feet long, often having 20 oars on each side with many rowers to each oar, 2 or 3 masts rigged with lateen sails, guns at prow and stern, and a complement of 1000 to 1200 men, and used throughout medieval times especially in the Mediterranean for war, trading, ceremonial, and pleasure purposes — see galleass , galliot , quarter galley ; compare galleon
b. : lymphad 2
2. : a short crescent-shaped seagoing ship of classical antiquity propelled chiefly by oars though generally having a mast carrying an oblong sail — compare bireme , penteconter , quadrireme , quinquereme , tessaraconter , triaconter , trireme
3. : a large open rowing boat formerly used in England by customs officers or press-gangs, by captains of warships, and as a river pleasure boat
4.
a. : the kitchen and cooking apparatus of a ship, airplane, or trailer — see caboose I 1a
b. : cookhouse , kitchen
5.
a. : an oblong tray commonly of pressed steel with upright sides to hold set type
b. : galley proof
6. : an inward circle made with the free foot during a hop in Cotswold morris dancing
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- in this galley