I. ˈmād.ē, -ātē, -i noun
( -s )
Etymology: mate (V) + -y, n. suffix
1. chiefly Britain mate V 1c
2. Britain : a dockyard workman
II. adjective
Etymology: mate (V) + -y, adjective suffix
chiefly Britain : cozily familiar and informal in personal relationship : friendly and companionable in an easygoing way : chummy
he is not a matey fellow … not always at ease in a party — William Clark