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.