bay
bay1 definition
bay (bā)
noun
- a part of a sea or lake that cuts into the shoreline; wide inlet: usually smaller than a gulf
- International Law a small gulf with an opening to the sea of less than 24 nautical miles and a strictly defined minimum area: used to determine territorial waters
- ☆ any level land area making an indentation, as into a woods, range of hills, etc.
Etymology: ME bai < OFr baie < ML baia, prob. < Iberian
bay2 definition
bay (bā)
noun
- an opening or alcove marked off by pillars, columns, etc.
- a recess in a wall, as for a window
- bay window
- a part of a building projecting from the main part; wing
- a compartment or space; specif.,
- a bin in a barn, for storing hay or grain
- a compartment in an aircraft or spacecraft bomb bay, cargo bay
- in a service station, the area for one car
- sick bay
Etymology: ME bai < OFr baée < baer, bayer, to gape, yawn < VL batare, to gape
bay3 definition
bay (bā)
intransitive verb
to bark or howl in long, deep tones
Etymology: ME baien, abaien < OFr baiier, abaiier < IE base *bai-, echoic of howling
transitive verb
- to bark at; howl at
- to chase with yelps and barks
- to bring to or hold at bay
- to utter in long, deep tones
noun
- the sound of baying
- the situation of or as of a hunted animal forced to turn and fight
bay Idioms
at bay
- with escape cut off; cornered
- unable to advance; held off the bear kept the hunters at bay
bring to bay
to force into a situation that makes escape impossible; corner
bay4 definition
bay (bā)
noun
- laurel ()
- a wreath of bay leaves, a classical token of honor given to poets and conquerors
- honor; fame
- any of various trees or shrubs of various families, as rosebay or bayberry
Etymology: ME bai < OFr baie < L baca, berry
bay5 definition
bay (bā)
adjective
reddish-brown: said esp. of horses
Etymology: ME bai < OFr baie < L badius
noun
- a horse or, sometimes, some other animal of this color
- reddish brown
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