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>