—n.
1 a mixture of two or more metals, e.g. brass (a mixture of copper and zinc).
2 an inferior metal mixed esp. with gold or silver.
—v.tr.
1 mix (metals).
2 debase (a pure substance) by admixture.
3 moderate.
Etymology: F aloi (n.), aloyer (v.) f. OF aloier, aleier combine f. L alligare bind
Useful english dictionary. 2012.