matey I. \ˈmād.ē, -ātē, -i\noun (-s) Etymology:mate (V) + -y, n. suffix 1.chiefly Britainmate V 1c 2.Britain: a dockyard workman II. adjective Etymology:mate (V) + -y, adjective suffix chiefly Britain: cozily familiar and informal in personal relationship : friendly and companionable in an easygoing way : chummy < he is not a matey fellow … not always at ease in a party — William Clark >