Al"ley (#), n.; pl. Alleys (#). [OE. aley, alley, OF. al'ee, F. all'ee, a going, passage, fr. OE. aler, F. aller, to go; of uncertain origin: cf. Prov. anar, It. andare, Sp. andar.]
1.
A narrow passage; especially a walk or passage in a garden or park, bordered by rows of trees or bushes; a bordered way.
I know each lane and every alley green.
Milton.
2.
A narrow passage or way in a city, as distinct from a public street.
Gay.
3.
A passageway between rows of pews in a church.
4. Persp.
Any passage having the entrance represented as wider than the exit, so as to give the appearance of length.
5.
The space between two rows of compositors' stands in a printing office.
© Webster 1913.
Al"ley, n.; pl. Alleys (#). [A contraction of alabaster, of which it was originally made.]
A choice taw or marble.
Dickens.
© Webster 1913.