ALLY


Meaning of ALLY in English

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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.