From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ally \Al"ly\, n.
See Alley, a marble or taw.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ally \Al*ly"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Allied; p. pr. & vb. n.
Allying.] [OE. alien, OF. alier, F. alier, fr. L. alligare
to bind to; ad + ligare to bind. Cf. Alligate, Alloy,
Allay, Ligament.]
1. To unite, or form a connection between, as between
families by marriage, or between princes and states by
treaty, league, or confederacy; -- often followed by to or
with.
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O chief! in blood, and now in arms allied. --Pope.
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2. To connect or form a relation between by similitude,
resemblance, friendship, or love.
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These three did love each other dearly well,
And with so firm affection were allied. --Spenser.
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The virtue nearest to our vice allied. --Pope.
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Note: Ally is generally used in the passive form or
reflexively.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Ally \Al*ly"\, n.; pl. Allies. [See Ally, v.]
1. A relative; a kinsman. [Obs.] --Shak.
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2. One united to another by treaty or league; -- usually
applied to sovereigns or states; a confederate.
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The English soldiers and their French allies.
--Macaulay.
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3. Anything associated with another as a helper; an
auxiliary.
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Science, instead of being the enemy of religion,
becomes its ally. --Buckle.
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4. Anything akin to another by structure, etc.
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