adv. [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., Dodsl., 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, Fred. Gt., II. VI. ix. 229. Such a sea as never was; and breakers now close alee.
