/nay"vee/ , n. , pl. navies .
1. the whole body of warships and auxiliaries belonging to a country or ruler.
2. ( often cap. ) the complete body of such warships together with their officers and enlisted personnel, equipment, yards, etc., constituting the sea power of a nation.
3. ( often cap. ) the department of government charged with its management.
4. See navy blue .
5. Archaic. a fleet of ships.
[ 1300-50; ME navie navia, equiv. to L nav ( is ) ship + -ia -Y 3 ]