Definition of tally

• n. - Originally, a piece of wood on which notches or scores were cut, as the marks of number; later, one of two books, sheets of paper, etc., on which corresponding accounts were kept.
• n. - Hence, any account or score kept by notches or marks, whether on wood or paper, or in a book; especially, one kept in duplicate.
• n. - One thing made to suit another; a match; a mate.
• n. - A notch, mark, or score made on or in a tally; as, to make or earn a tally in a game.
• n. - A tally shop. See Tally shop, below.
• n. - To score with correspondent notches; hence, to make to correspond; to cause to fit or suit.
• n. - To check off, as parcels of freight going inboard or outboard.
• v. i. - To be fitted; to suit; to correspond; to match.
• v. i. - To make a tally; to score; as, to tally in a game.
• a. - Stoutly; with spirit.