galley

(galē)

noun pl. galleys

  1. a long, low, usually single-decked ship propelled by oars and sails, used esp. in ancient and medieval times: the oars were usually manned by chained slaves or convicts
    1. the kitchen of a ship, boat, or airplane
    2. a small, compact, or cramped kitchen
  2. Brit. a large rowboat
  3. Printing
    1. a shallow, oblong tray for holding composed type before it is put into a form
    2. galley proof

Origin: ME galeie < OFr galie < ML galea < MGr galaia, kind of ship < Gr galeos, shark < galeē, weasel (in reference to its speed)

See galley in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. gal·leys
  1. Nautical
    a. A large, usually single-decked medieval ship of shallow draft, propelled by sails and oars and used as a merchant ship or warship in the Mediterranean.
    b. An ancient Mediterranean seagoing vessel propelled by oars.
    c. A large rowboat formerly used by British customs officers.
  2. The kitchen of an airliner, ship, or camper.
  3. Printing
    a. A long tray, usually of metal, used for holding composed type.
    b. Galley proof.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English galei

Origin: , from Old French galie

Origin: , from Old Provençal

Origin: or Catalan galea

Origin: , from Medieval Greek

Origin: , probably variant of Greek galeos, shark

Origin: , perhaps from galeē, weasel

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