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. 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.
[ ME f. OF bai, baiier bark f. It. baiare, of imit. orig. ]