From Medieval Greek 'galaia,' of uncertain origin—the ship's kitchen sense arose from the cooking area below deck on oared vessels.
A low, flat-built vessel propelled mainly by oars, used in ancient and medieval warfare; also, a ship's kitchen.
From Old French 'galie,' from Medieval Latin 'galea,' from Medieval Greek 'galaia,' of uncertain ultimate origin—possibly from Greek 'galeos' (a type of shark or swordfish), referring to the ship's sleek form. The kitchen sense arose because galleys had cooking areas below deck. Key roots: galaia (Medieval Greek: "galley (uncertain further)").