I. ˈtrā noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English tray, trey, from Old English trēg, trīg; akin to Old Swedish trö wooden grain measure, Old English trēow tree, wood — more at tree
1. : an open variously shaped receptacle of wood, metal, or other material with a flat bottom and a low rim for holding, carrying, or exhibiting articles
a tray of sandwiches
a jeweler's tray
a silver card tray
2. dialect England : hurdle 1a
3. : a flat or curved piece of metal used to hold ammunition or any part of the mechanism of a gun ; specifically : a brass or steel part of the breech mechanism of a heavy cannon — called also plugtray
4. : board 5f(1)
5. : an appliance consisting of a flanged body and a handle for use in holding plastic material against the gums or teeth in making negative impressions for dentures
6. : plate 1a(3)
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to arrange (as fruits for dehydration) on trays
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of trey
: royal antler