belay

[ bih-ley ]

verb (used with object)

, be·layed, be·lay·ing.

1. Nautical. to fasten (a rope) by winding around a pin or short rod inserted in a holder so that both ends of the rod are clear.
2. Mountain Climbing.
   1. to secure (a person) by attaching to one end of a rope.
   2. to secure (a rope) by attaching to a person or to an object offering stable support.
3. (used chiefly in the imperative)
   1. to cease (an action); stop.
   2. to ignore (an announcement, order, etc.):

      Belay that, the meeting will be at 0900 instead of 0800.

verb (used without object)

, be·layed, be·lay·ing.

1. to belay a rope:

   Belay on that cleat over there.

noun

1. Mountain Climbing. a rock, bush, or other object sturdy enough for a running rope to be passed around it to secure a hold.

belay

/ bɪˈleɪ /

verb

1. nautical to make fast (a line) by securing to a pin, cleat, or bitt
2. usually imperative nautical to stop; cease
3. ˈbiːˌleɪ mountaineering to secure (a climber) to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc

noun

1. See running belay
   ˈbiːˌleɪ mountaineering the attachment (of a climber) to a mountain by tying the rope off round a rock spike, piton, nut, etc, to safeguard the party in the event of a fall See also running belay

Word History and Origins

Origin of belay¹

before 900; Middle English beleggen, Old English belecgan. See be-, lay ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of belay¹

Old English belecgan ; related to Old High German bileggen , Dutch beleggen

Example Sentences

Your brother, in my humble opinion, is the most capable and the best-hearted man that I ever knew and—” “Belay!

From Project Gutenberg

Away went the sloop, steadying her bow-lines; the call piping belay, as each sail was trimmed to the officer of the deck's fancy.

From Project Gutenberg

Belay the binnacle and part the ship's periwig abaft the main-mast!

From Project Gutenberg

When they had hoisted the unconscious Tom to the gaff, Swarth ordered: "Belay, coil up the fall, and go forrard."

From Project Gutenberg

"You belay," remarked the Captain, turning towards the vermin of Law with profound disdain.

From Project Gutenberg