Hail-mary definition
Frequency:
(by extension) An act done in desperation, with only a very small chance of success.
noun
(roman catholic church) A prayer based on the greetings of Gabriel and Saint Elizabeth to the Virgin Mary.
noun
(football) A long pass thrown into the end zone, as in the final seconds of a game, in the desperate hope that one of the receivers will be able to catch it for a touchdown.
noun
The first words of the English version of a prayer to the Virgin Mary used in the Roman Catholic Church.
noun
This prayer.
noun
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(American football) A long forward pass with little chance of completion, typically used when time is running out and no other play is practical.
noun
(football) A long pass thrown in desperation, especially near the end of a game.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
hail-mary
Plural:
hail-marys