noun
dey
day
noun
1
Historically, the title given to the Ottoman-appointed ruler of Algiers.
"The dey of Algiers negotiated directly with European envoys over piracy and trade."
2
An old or dialect word for a dairymaid, someone in charge of a dairy.
"The old records list a dey responsible for the manor's milk and cheese."
How to Use Dey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly a historical title for the ruler of Algiers under Ottoman rule; rarely, an old word for a dairymaid.
When to use it
Almost exclusively seen in history books today; not part of everyday speech.
Word Forms
deys plural, deys plural
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The _____ of Algiers negotiated directly with European envoys over piracy and trade.
Etymology
The dairymaid sense traces back to Old English daege ("bread-maker" or "dairymaid"), the same root that gave us "dairy" and "lady." The Algerian ruler's title is an unrelated borrowing via Ottoman Turkish.