/bi lay"/ , v. , belayed, belaying , n.
v.t.
1. Naut. to fasten (a rope) by winding around a pin or short rod inserted in a holder so that both ends of the rod are clear.
2. Mountain Climbing.
a. to secure (a person) by attaching to one end of a rope.
b. to secure (a rope) by attaching to a person or to an object offering stable support.
3. (used chiefly in the imperative)
a. to cease (an action); stop.
b. to ignore (an announcement, order, etc.): Belay that, the meeting will be at 0900 instead of 0800.
v.i.
4. to belay a rope: Belay on that cleat over there.
n.
5. Mountain Climbing. a rock, bush, or other object sturdy enough for a running rope to be passed around it to secure a hold.
[ bef. 900; ME beleggen, OE belecgan. See BE-, LAY 1 ]