alee, adv.
(əˈliː)
[a. ON. á hlé, a sea phrase as in Eng., f. á on, in the direction of + hlé shelter: see lee.]
On or toward the lee or sheltered side of the ship; away from the wind; to leeward. Also as an order = put alee.
| 1399 Langl. Rich. Redeless iv. 74 Þan lay the lordis a-lee with laste and with charge, And bare aboute þe barge. c 1575 Hickscorner in Hazl. Dodsley I. 161 Ale the helm, Ale, veer. c 1648 Davenant Wint. Storms, Alee, or we sink! a 1826 Hood Wee Man xi, Good sir, the boat has lost her trim, You must not sit a-lee. 1859 W. James Nav. Hist. Eng. II. 223 The helm of the George was instantly put a-lee. 1865 Carlyle Fredk. Gt. II. vi. ix. 229 Such a sea as never was; and breakers now close alee. |