galleys

Variant of galley

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)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
link/cite print suggestion box