[al.ly] vb al.lied ; al.ly.ing [ME allien, fr OF alier, fr. L alligare to bind to, fr. ad- + ligare to bind--more at ligature] vt (14c) 1: to unite or form a connection between: associate "allied himself with a wealthy family by marriage"
2: to connect or form a relation between (as by likeness or compatibility): relate ~ vi: to form or enter into an alliance
[2]al.ly n, pl allies (1598) 1: a sovereign or state associated with another by treaty or league
2: a plant or animal linked to another by genetic or taxonomic proximity
3: one that is associated with another as a helper: auxiliary