allying

Variant of ally

ally definition

ally (ə lī′, a-; also, and for n. usually, al′ī)

transitive verb allied -·lied′, allying -·ly′·ing

  1. to unite or associate for a specific purpose, as families by marriage, nations by treaty, or companies by agreement: generally used reflexively or in the passive
  2. to relate by similarity of structure, certain qualities, etc.: usually in the passive the onion is allied to the lily

Etymology: ME alien < OFr alier < L alligare < ad-, to + ligare, to bind: see ligature

intransitive verb

to become allied

noun pl. allies -·lies

  1. a country, person, or group joined with another or others for a common purpose
  2. a plant, animal, or thing closely related in structure, etc. to another
  3. an associate; helper; auxiliary

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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