Al*lay" , v. t. To mix (metals); to mix with a baser
metal; to alloy; to deteriorate. [Archaic]
Fuller.
Al*lay" , n. Alloy. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
Al*lay" , n. Alleviation; abatement; check.
[Obs.]
Al*lay" (&?;), v. t. To diminish in strength; to abate; to subside. "When the rage allays."
Shak.
Al*lay" (&?;), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Allayed (&?;);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Allaying.]
[OE. alaien, aleggen, to lay down, put down, humble, put an end to, AS. ālecgan; ā- (cf. Goth. us-, G. er-, orig. meaning out) +
lecgan to lay; but confused with old forms of allege, alloy, alegge. See Lay.] 1. To
make quiet or put at rest; to pacify or appease; to quell; to calm; as, to
allay popular excitement; to allay the tumult of the
passions.
2. To alleviate; to abate; to mitigate; as, to allay the severity of affliction or the bitterness of adversity.
It would allay the burning quality of that fell
poison.
Shak.
Syn. -- To alleviate; check; repress; assuage; appease; abate; subdue; destroy; compose; soothe; calm; quiet. See Alleviate.
Hear it pronounced