n. (pl. -eys) 1 (also alley-way) a a narrow street. b a narrow passageway, esp. between or behind buildings. 2 a path or walk in a park or garden. 3 an enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc. 4 (in lawn tennis) either of the two side strips of a doubles court. alley cat a stray town cat often mangy or half wild.
[ ME f. OF alee walking, passage f. aler go f. L ambulare walk ]