belay Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something to which a mountain climber's rope can be secured
  2. verb turn a rope round an object or person in order to secure it or him
  3. verb fasten a boat to a bitt, pin, or cleat

WordNet

Be*lay" transitive verb
Etymology
For senses 1 & 2, D. beleggen to cover, belay; akin to E. pref. be-, and lay to place: for sense 3, OE. beleggen, AS. belecgan. See pref. Be-, and Lay to place.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Belaid, Belayed present participle & verbal noun Belaying
Definitions
  1. To lay on or cover; to adorn. Obs.
    Jacket . . . belayed with silver lace. Spenser.
  2. (Naut.) To make fast, as a rope, by taking several turns with it round a pin, cleat, or kevel. Totten.
  3. To lie in wait for with a view to assault. Hence: to block up or obstruct. Obs. Dryden.

Webster 1913