belay: Meaning and Definition of

be•lay

Pronunciation: (bi-lā'), [key]
— v., n. -layed, -lay•ing,
—v.t.
  1. 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.
    1. to secure (a person) by attaching to one end of a rope.
    2. to secure (a rope) by attaching to a person or to an object offering stable support.
  2. (used chiefly in the imperative) Belay that, the meeting will be at 0900 instead of 0800.
    1. to cease (an action); stop.
    2. to ignore (an announcement, order, etc.):Belay that, the meeting will be at 0900 instead of 0800.
—v.i.
  1. to belay a rope: Belay on that cleat over there.
—n.
  1. a rock, bush, or other object sturdy enough for a running rope to be passed around it to secure a hold.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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