bay

bay

bay¹ [bā]

n.

[ME bai < OFr baie < ML baia, prob. < Iberian]

1.

a) a part of a sea or lake that cuts into the shoreline; wide inlet: usually smaller than a gulf

b) 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

☆ 2. any level land area making an indentation, as into a woods, range of hills, etc.

bay² [bā]

n.

[ME bai < OFr baée < baer, bayer, to gape, yawn < VL batare, to gape]

1.

a) an opening or alcove marked off by pillars, columns, etc.

b) a recess in a wall, as for a window

c) BAY WINDOW

2. a part of a building projecting from the main part; wing

3. a compartment or space; specif.,

a) a bin in a barn, for storing hay or grain

b) a compartment in an aircraft or spacecraft [bomb bay, cargo bay]

c) in a service station, the area for one car

4. SICK BAY

bay³ [bā]

vi.

[ME baien, abaien < OFr baiier, abaiier < IE base * bai-, echoic of howling]

to bark or howl in long, deep tones

vt.

1. to bark at; howl at

2. to chase with yelps and barks

3. to bring to or hold at bay

4. to utter in long, deep tones

n.

1. the sound of baying

2. the situation of or as of a hunted animal forced to turn and fight

——————

at bay

1. with escape cut off; cornered

2. 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 [bā]

n.

[ME bai < OFr baie < L baca, berry]

1. LAUREL (n. 1)

2. [pl.]

a) a wreath of bay leaves, a classical token of honor given to poets and conquerors

b) honor; fame

3. any of various trees or shrubs of various families, as rosebay or bayberry

bay⁵ [bā]

adj.

[ME bai < OFr baie < L badius]

reddish-brown: said esp. of horses

n.

1. a horse or, sometimes, some other animal of this color

2. reddish brown