n. & v.
--n.
1. a mixture of two or more metals, e.g. brass (a mixture of copper and zinc).
2 an inferior metal mixed esp. with gold or silver.
--v.tr.
1. mix (metals).
2 debase (a pure substance) by admixture.
3 moderate.
Etymology: F aloi (n.), aloyer (v.) f. OF aloier, aleier combine f. L alligare bind