Main Entry: ¹be·lay

Pronunciation: \bi-ˈlā, bē-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): be·layed; be·lay·ing

Etymology: Middle English beleggen to beset, from Old English belecgan, from be- + lecgan to lay

Date: 1549

transitive verb 1 a : to secure (as a rope) by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt b : to make fast
2 : stop
3 a : to secure (a person) at the end of a rope b : to secure (a rope) to a person or objectintransitive verb 1 : to be made fast
2 : stop, quit —used in the imperative <belay there>
3 : to make a line fast by turns around a cleat, pin, or bitt

— be·lay·er \-ər\ noun