Definition of Hail Mary
noun (plural Hail Marys)
1a prayer to the Virgin Mary used chiefly by Roman Catholics, beginning with part of Luke 1:28. Also called Ave Maria. a recitation of a Hail Mary prayer:muttering Hail Marys under her breath
2 [usually as modifier] Football a very long, typically unsuccessful pass made in a desperate attempt to score late in the game:they beat the 49ers on a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds any attempt with a small chance of success:a Hail Mary plan
