Plural of 'galley' or 'gally'; either plural seagoing vessels with oars, or plural instances of being frightened or startled.
If from galley: From Old French 'galée' from Mediterranean sources, referring to swift oared ships. If from gally: from Middle English 'galien,' related to causing disturbance or fear.
Galley ships were revolutionary—they let Mediterranean traders move even on windless days, fundamentally changing commerce, warfare, and exploration for nearly 2,000 years before sailing ships and steam power took over.
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