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. 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

When she realizes what happened, she’s hanging on the rope just above the belay ledge, blood pouring down her face and into her eyes.

From Outside Online

If you see me out there after I set out in August, don’t be scared to ask if you can share my fire, give me a belay, or just cruise in tandem for a bit.

From Outside Online

There are also plenty of easier climbs just outside of the gorge, such as the waterside cliffs that line Summersville Lake, 18 miles northeast from the park, where you can climb using a pontoon boat as your belay station.

From Outside Online

I also like it as part of a resort layering system for low-octane hikes, cold belays, and as a shoulder-season piece for adventures that might involve a little chill and precipitation.

From Outside Online

In 1981, using ropes and a belay, filmmaker Eric Perlman and skier Bob Bellman descended the Cables Route.

From Outside Online

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