Definitions

1. noun

a place or region of the sky or heavens; a heavenly or sacred place; especially the upper air or heavens regarded as the dwelling-place of the gods

“The poet described the ely of the setting sun as a place of tranquility and beauty.”

2. suffix

used in surnames to indicate someone who lives by an ely or a sacred place

“The surname Ely is thought to have originated from someone who lived near a sacred place.”