belay
verb (used with object)
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.
belays
-
present tense formof belay (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The bottom climber belays — controlling slack in the rope and arresting falls — and then climbs up after the lead climber finishes the pitch.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 10, 2018
The sheet exits the deck through a slot in the cockpit coaming behind the helm and belays to the after end of the boom.
From Time Magazine Archive
At Yosemite Valley in California, the body of Derek Hersey, a renowned Alpinist whose unforgiving specialty was rock-wall climbing done solo and without the protection of belays, was found below Sentinel Peak.
From Time Magazine Archive
Passing a stopper, my lad, means to wrap a rope about a fall while another belays it.
From The Battleship Boys at Sea Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's Navy by Frank Gee Patchin
No. 11 chokes luff of train-tackle, or hitches it, if required; provides and hooks tackle of muzzle-purchase; belays and lowers.
From Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. by United States. Navy Dept. Bureau of Ordnance
