1. n.1 a broad inlet of the sea where the land curves inwards.
2 a recess in a mountain range.
Phrases and idioms:
Bay State US Massachusetts.
Etymology: ME f. OF baie f. OSp. bahia 2. n.1 (in full bay laurel) a laurel, Laurus nobilis, having deep green leaves and purple berries. Also called SWEET BAY.
2 (in pl.) a wreath made of bay-leaves, for a victor or poet.
Phrases and idioms:
bay-leaf the aromatic (usu. dried) leaf of the bay-tree, used in cooking. bay rum a perfume, esp. for the hair, distilled orig. from bayberry leaves in rum.
Etymology: OF baie f. L baca berry 3. n.1 a space created by a window-line projecting outwards from a wall.
2 a recess; a section of wall between buttresses or columns, esp. in the nave of a church etc.
3 a compartment (bomb bay).
4 an area specially allocated or marked off (sick bay; loading bay).
5 Brit. the terminus of a branch line at a railway station also having through lines, usu. at the side of an outer platform.
Phrases and idioms:
bay window a window built into a bay.
Etymology: ME f. OF baie f. ba(y)er gape f. med.L batare 4. adj. & n.
--adj. (esp. of a horse) dark reddish-brown.
--n. a bay horse with a black mane and tail.
Etymology: OF bai f. L badius 5. v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (esp. of a large dog) bark or howl loudly and plaintively.
2 tr. bay at.
--n. the sound of baying, esp. in chorus from hounds in close pursuit.
Phrases and idioms:
at bay
1. cornered, apparently unable to escape.
2 in a desperate situation. bring to bay gain on in pursuit; trap. hold (or keep) at bay hold off (a pursuer). stand at bay turn to face one's pursuers.
Etymology: ME f. OF bai, baiier bark f. It. baiare, of imit. orig.