ALLY

n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a State formally cooperating or united with another for a special purpose, esp. by a treaty. 2 a person or organization that cooperates with or helps another. --v.tr. also (-ies, -ied) (often foll. by with) combine or unite in alliance. [ME f. OF al(e)ier f. L alligare bind: cf. ALLOY]