1. n. (pl. -eys)
1. (also alley-way) a a narrow street. b a narrow passageway, esp. between or behind buildings.
2 a path or walk in a park or garden.
3 an enclosure for skittles, bowling, etc.
4 (in lawn tennis) either of the two side strips of a doubles court.
Phrases and idioms:
alley cat a stray town cat often mangy or half wild.
Etymology: ME f. OF alee walking, passage f. aler go f. L ambulare walk 2. var. of ALLY(2).