Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Ally
Al-ly′
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Allied
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Allying
.] 1.
To unite, or form a connection between, as between families by marriage, or between princes and states by treaty, league, or confederacy; – often followed by to or with.
O chief! in blood, and now in arms
allied
. Pope.
2.
To connect or form a relation between by similitude, resemblance, friendship, or love.
These three did love each other dearly well,
And with so firm affection were
And with so firm affection were
allied
. Spenser.
The virtue nearest to our vice
allied
. Pope.
☞ Ally is generally used in the passive form or reflexively.
1.
A relative; a kinsman.
[Obs.]
Shak.
2.
One united to another by treaty or league; – usually applied to sovereigns or states; a confederate.
The English soldiers and their French
allies
. Macaulay.
3.
Anything associated with another as a helper; an auxiliary.
Science, instead of being the enemy of religion, becomes its
ally
. Buckle.
4.
Anything akin to another by structure, etc.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ally
ALLY'
,Verb.
T.
1.
To unite, or form a relation, as between families by marriage, or between princes and states by treaty, league or confederacy.2.
To form a relation by similitude, resemblance or friendship. Note. This word is more generally used in the passive form, as families are allied by blood; or reciprocally, as princes ally themselves to powerful states.