Starting to give marbles in ships (7)

I believe the answer is:

galleys

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ships' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for galleys that I've seen before include "Areas for food preparation on ships" , "proofs" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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