I. ˈa-lē noun
( plural alleys )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French alee, from aler to go
Date: 14th century
1. : a garden or park walk bordered by trees or bushes
2.
a.
(1) : a grassed enclosure for bowling or skittles
(2) : a hardwood lane for bowling ; also : a room or building housing a group of such lanes
b. : the space on each side of a tennis doubles court between the sideline and the service sideline
c. : an area in a baseball outfield between two outfielders when they are in normal positions
3. : a narrow street ; especially : a thoroughfare through the middle of a block giving access to the rear of lots or buildings
•
- up one's alley
II. noun
( plural alleys )
Etymology: by shortening and alteration from alabaster
Date: 1720
: a playing marble ; especially : one of superior quality