Galley

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -æli

Origin

From Middle English galeie, from Old French galée, from Latin galea, from Medieval Ancient Greek γαλέα of unknown origin, probably from Ancient Greek γαλέη, a kind of a small fish, from γαλεός (galeos, "dog-fish or small shark")

Full definition of galley

Noun

1. (nautical) A long, slender ship propelled primarily by oars, whether having masts and sails or not; usually referring to rowed warships used in the Mediterranean from the 16th century until the modern era.
2. (British) A light, open boat used on the Thames by customhouse officers, press gangs, and also for pleasure.
3. (nautical) One of the small boats carried by a man-of-war.
4. (nautical) The cookroom or kitchen and cooking apparatus of a vessel or aircraft; sometimes on merchant vessels called the caboose.
5. An oblong oven or muffle with a battery of retorts; a gallery furnace.
6. (printing) An oblong tray of wood or brass, with upright sides, for holding type which has been set, or is to be made up, etc.
7. (printing) A proof sheet taken from type while on a galley; a galley proof.

Derived terms