An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The act of allying or state of being allied; the result of this action.
   

2. A union to advance the common interests of the members.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. aliance, from al(ier) “to ally,” → alloy, + → -ance.

Etymology (PE): Hamdasti, literally “joining hand,” from ham-, → com-,

• dast, → hand, + -i noun suffix.