Definition of belay

< Belau

Belaya >

be·lay    (b-l) KEY 

VERB:
be·layed, be·lay·ing, be·lays
VERB:
tr.

1. Nautical To secure or make fast (a rope, for example) by winding on a cleat or pin.
2. To secure (a mountain climber, for example) at the end of a length of rope.
3. To cause to stop.

VERB:
intr.

1. To be made secure.
2. Used in the imperative as an order to stop: Belay there!

NOUN:

1. The securing of a rope on a rock or other projection during mountain climbing.
2. An object, such as a rock, to which a mountain climber's rope can be secured.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English bileggen, to surround, from Old English belecgan; see legh- in Indo-European roots