I. ə-ˈlī, ˈa-ˌlī verb
( al·lied ; al·ly·ing )
Etymology: Middle English allien, from Anglo-French alier, from Latin alligare to bind to, from ad- + ligare to bind — more at ligature
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
: to unite or form a connection or relation between : associate
allied himself with a wealthy family by marriage
intransitive verb
: to form or enter into an alliance
two factions ally ing with each other
II. ˈa-ˌlī, ə-ˈlī noun
( plural allies )
Date: 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