n. & v.
—n. (pl. -ies)
1 a State formally cooperating or united with another for a special purpose, esp. by a treaty.
2 a person or organization that cooperates with or helps another.
—v.tr. also (-ies, -ied) (often foll. by with) combine or unite in alliance.
Etymology: ME f. OF al(e)ier f. L alligare bind: cf. ALLOY
2.
n. (also alley) (pl. -ies or -eys) a choice playing-marble made of marble, alabaster, or glass.
Etymology: perh. dimin. of ALABASTER
Useful english dictionary. 2012.