\Gal"ler*y\, n.; pl. {Galleries}. [F. galerie, It.
galleria, fr. LL. galeria gallery, perh. orig., a festal
hall, banquetting hall; cf. OF. galerie a rejoicing, fr.
galer to rejoice. Cf. {Gallant}, a.]
1. A long and narrow corridor, or place for walking; a
   connecting passageway, as between one room and another;
   also, a long hole or passage excavated by a boring or
   burrowing animal.

2. A room for the exhibition of works of art; as, a picture
   gallery; hence, also, a large or important collection of
   paintings, sculptures, etc.

3. A long and narrow platform attached to one or more sides
   of public hall or the interior of a church, and supported
   by brackets or columns; -- sometimes intended to be
   occupied by musicians or spectators, sometimes designed
   merely to increase the capacity of the hall.

4. (Naut.) A frame, like a balcony, projecting from the stern
   or quarter of a ship, and hence called {stern gallery} or
   {quarter gallery}, -- seldom found in vessels built since
   1850.

5. (Fort.) Any communication which is covered overhead as
   well as at the sides. When prepared for defense, it is a
   defensive gallery.

6. (Mining) A working drift or level.

{Whispering gallery}. See under {Whispering}.