Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AL-LAY', n.

1. Formerly, a baser metal mixed with a finer; but in this sense it is now written alloy, which see.
2. That which allays, or abates the predominant qualities; as, the allay of colors. – Newton. Also, abatement; diminution by means of some mixture; as, joy without allay. But alloy is now more generally used.