Main Entry:

¹al·ly

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈlī, ˈa-ˌlī\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

al·lied; al·ly·ing

Etymology:

Middle English allien, from Anglo-French alier, from Latin alligare to bind to, from ad- + ligare to bind — more at ligature

Date:

14th century

transitive verb : to unite or form a connection or relation between : associate <allied himself with a wealthy family by marriage> intransitive verb : to form or enter into an alliance <two factions allying with each other>