The word 'galley' originally came from Greek as 'galaia'

'Galley' is a word borrowed from Greek 'galaia'. The word entered the English language some time around the 13th century.

galley [noun] [13th century]

• a ship or boat propelled solely or chiefly by oars
• as
• a long low ship used for war and trading especially in the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle Ages to the 19th century
• galleass
• a warship of classical antiquity

See 'galley' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Greek.

Etymology: Middle English 'galeie' from Anglo-French 'galie, galee' ultimately from Middle Greek 'galea'

See more loan words from 1200s.